Ametrine

The chameleon of gemstones, the mystery of Alexandrite is surpassed only by its beauty.

About Ametrine

Ametrine, also known as trystine or by its trade name as bolivianite, is a naturally occurring variety of quartz. It is a mixture of amethyst and citrine with zones of purple and yellow or orange. Almost all commercially available ametrine is mined only in Bolivia.

The colour of the zones visible within ametrine are due to differing oxidation states of iron within the crystal. The different oxidation states occur due to there being a temperature gradient across the crystal during its formation.

Artificial ametrine can be created by differential heat treatment of amethyst.

Legend has it that ametrine was first introduced to Europe by a conquistador's gifts to the Spanish Queen, after he received a mine in Bolivia as a dowry when he married a princess from the native Ayoreos tribe.

Most ametrine in the low price segment can be assumed to stem from synthetic material. Since 1994, a Russian laboratory has perfected the industrial production of bicolored quartz crystals that are later irradiated to bring out the typical ametrine colors. Green-yellow or golden-blue ametrine does not exist naturally.

Look

Alexandrite is an enchanting gemstone with transformative properties that have captivated wearers for centuries.
Alexandrite is a color-shifting gem that assumes a bluish mossy green hue in daylight and radiates a reddish raspberry tone in lamplight. Shades of lighter green, yellow, brown to greenish black are also possible.

Lore

Discovered in the 1830’s in Czarist Russia, it was named after Alexander II. The czar’s lengthy 26-year reformist reign afforded him the nickname “Alexander the Liberator.”
The finest Alexandrite mine, nestled in the Ural Mountain region in Russia ceased operations after only a few decades of producing rough. Stones acquired from the Urals are still considered the finest in the trade and as a result any gems bearing Russian certificates of origin are highly prized.
TWhile some Alexandrite is found in Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe they do not possess color-shifting properties as intense as the Russian variety. For years it seemed that the enamoring gems of the Czars were destined for the history books.
However, in 1987 a new vein of Alexandrite was found in the Brazilian region of Hematita. Thanks to this remarkable find we are again able to indulge in these rare and cherished symbols of 19th century nobility.

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Care

Alexandrite rests at 8.5 on the Mohs Hardness scale, which makes it durable enough for regular wear. You can maintain your Alexandrite jewelry at home by cleaning with warm soapy water. As with any piece it’s important to bring it into Anglo on a semi-annual basis for inspection and professional cleaning.
We also encourage storing your Alexandrite in a separate box or pouch to avoid scratches and damage that can be cause by contact with other metals and gemstones.

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Tradition

Birthstone: June
Anniversary:
55th
Zodiac: Leo

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Chemistry

MINERAL:Quartz

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION:SiO2

COLOR:Bicolor orange/yellow and purple

REFRACTIVE INDEX: 1.544 to 1.553

SPECIFIC GRAVITY2.66 (+0.03/-0.02)

MOHS HARDNESS:7

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Rarity

The limited number of sources and high demand has made Alexandrite extremely desirable and valuable.

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Light

No gem better displays the profound effect of light than Alexandrite.

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Phenomenal

In rare examples Alexandrite can have multiple gem phenomenons. These stones can exhibit asterism and color-shifting properties simultaneously.

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