Dark Amethyst Crystal with Citrine (Ametrine)

An ametrine crystal from Bolivia with a particularly dark amethyst zone. The color contrast between the deep purple and golden yellow parts is more pronounced than in standard ametrines.

The darker amethyst zone indicates a particularly high iron concentration in that area of the crystal. The contrasting yellow citrine zone makes the multi-color composition particularly striking.

Ametrine is a geologically unique variety of quartz. Purple amethyst and yellow citrine occur in a single crystal, separated by a sharp geometric boundary line. The only commercially viable deposit worldwide is the Anahí Mine in the Pantanal wetlands, Bolivia.

According to historical accounts, the Anahí Mine was discovered in the 17th century. The daughter of a local chief, named Anahí, was said to have married a Spanish conquistador and presented him with the mine as a dowry.