Amethyst Crystal - Single Point /Ametrine

An ametrine crystal from Bolivia. The hexagonal symmetry is clearly visible in the prism faces; the natural growth geometry follows the crystallographic point group 32.

Ametrine contains purple amethyst and yellow citrine in a single crystal, separated by a sharp geometric boundary line. The only commercially viable deposit in the world is the Anahí mine in the Bolivian Pantanal wetlands.

The hexagonal crystallography is a clear defining characteristic of quartz. Ametrine also exhibits this symmetry in the zoning of the two color phases.

According to historical tradition, the Anahí mine was discovered in the 17th century by Spanish conquistadors. The daughter of a local chief, named Anahí, was said to have been married to a conquistador. She presented him with the mine as a dowry.