The facts
What ametrine actually is
Mineralogically, ametrine is quartz — SiO₂, crystallising in the trigonal system.
The colour is caused by iron in two oxidation states in the same crystal. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.544–1.553, and the specific gravity sits near 2.65; cleavage is none.
Where ametrine comes from
The recognised sources are Anahí mine, Bolivia — effectively the only commercial source.
One source only — which is unusual, and which means an origin claim naming anywhere else is either a mistake or a different material.
How ametrine is treated
Natural material exists; a heated/irradiated imitation is also made.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What ametrine is confused with
The usual confusions are Assembled quartz and Treated amethyst.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.544–1.553 and specific gravity 2.65 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What ametrine is used for
Ametrine is bought by jewellery and mineral collecting — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the carat or by the specimen.
Durability and care
Hardness 7; cleavage none. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
With no cleavage plane to worry about, the practical limit is abrasion rather than breakage, and it takes daily wear well.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What ametrine costs
Indicative pricing for ametrine is $10–80/ct.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is ametrine treated, and how?
Natural material exists; a heated/irradiated imitation is also made.
Where does ametrine come from?
Anahí mine, Bolivia — effectively the only commercial source. That is the only commercial source.
Is ametrine hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 7 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage plane, it handles daily wear well. The practical limit is gradual abrasion rather than chipping.
How much does ametrine cost?
Indicatively $10–80/ct. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is ametrine confused with?
Most often Assembled quartz and Treated amethyst. A refractive index of 1.544–1.553 and a specific gravity near 2.65 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for ametrine?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about ametrine