PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- GROUP Silicates - tectosilicates
- COMPOSITION SiO2
- COLOR Violet
- CRYSTALLINE SYSTEM Hexagonal / trigonal
- CRYSTALLINE HABIT Usually pyramidal endings; sometimes prismatic.
- HARDNESS 7
- FRACTURE Conchoidal
- EXFOLIATION Null
- GLOSS Vitreous
- STRIP White
- TRANSPARENCY From opaque to translucent
- SPECIFIC GRAVITY 2.7
- REFRACTIVE INDEX 1.54 - 1.55
MINERALOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The ametrine or bolivianite is a natural fusion of amethyst and citrine quartz, a variety of quartz of hydrothermal origin that presents yellow bands or orange and purple. The purple sections are amethyst and the yellow and orange sections owe their color to inclusions of iron compounds. Although it is said that the ametrine is original from Bolivia, specimens are also found in Brazil, Uruguay and other locations.
Deposits: Bolivia, Brazil, Uruguay, Madagascar, India, United States, Mozambique, South Africa and Canada.
THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES
The ametrine represents the force of transmutation ( amethyst) and the power of regeneration (citrine quartz). It is considered the stone of optimism and well-being.
It is associated with the opening of the third eye and is often useful for meditation. Ametrine encourages creativity and helps calm and balance the mind. It is usually helpful to people who work intensely with the intellect since it favors concentration.
