Properties
Mineral group: Quartz
Chemistry: SiO2
Color: Violet (Amethyst part)/yellow-yellowbrown (citrin part)
Crystal system: Trigonal
Mohs Scale hardness: 7
Refractive index: 1,544-1,553
Birefringence: +0,009
Specific gravity: 2,63-2,65
Information
Can be confused with
Beryl, flourite, spinel, topaz, tourmaline and colored glass. There is also an abundance of synthetic quartz on the gem market, today.
Treatments
Heat treatment
Instruments for identification
Microscope/loupe to observe color changes and inclusions. Generally, synthetic material is mostly free from inclusions and evenly coloured even in it's bi-coloured variety.
Polariscope and conoskope are very useful in identifying all varieties of quartz. With these instruments it's possible to make a diagnostic test of quartz.
Hydrostatic weighing to establish density is an important diagnostic test.
Refrachometer to measure refraction index and birefringence are important tests for all variants of quartz.
Deposits
The most important deposits are found in Bolivia and Brasil.
Miscellaneous
Ametrine is a relatively new and very popular variant of quartz
Read and learn about Ametrine
Ametrine in healing (Source: ChatGPT)
Ametrine is a unique crystal that combines the properties of both amethyst and citrine. Comprised of purple and yellow tones, it brings a harmonious blend of calming, spiritual energy from amethyst and the joyful, energizing effect of citrine. Here are some of the most talked about properties of ametrine in healing:
1. Balance between Yin and Yang
- Ametrine is known to balance and harmonize energies, especially the masculine (yang) and feminine (yin) energies. This makes it a powerful stone for creating inner balance and stability in the emotional life.
- The combined energy of amethyst and citrine helps the wearer find a balance between being active and finding calm, which can be very helpful during stressful periods or when faced with difficult decisions.
2. Enhances Clarity and Focus
- The citrine's energy helps increase mental sharpness and focus, while the amethyst provides calming support to reduce overwhelming thoughts. Together, these energies make ametrine an excellent stone for those who want to improve their concentration and make clear decisions.
- Many people use ametrine to clear the mind and gain a new perspective on challenges. It can help resolve inner conflicts and create clarity in uncertain situations.
3. Emotional Healing and Stress Reduction
- The calming and balancing energy of the amethyst helps reduce stress and anxiety, while the citrine is said to elevate mood and bring a sense of joy. Together, these qualities support emotional healing and release blockages from past negative experiences.
- Ametrine is believed to help the wearer process emotions and create a positive attitude, especially when dealing with challenging relationships or personal obstacles.
4. Spiritual Development and Intuition
- As a combination of amethyst and citrine, ametrine is linked to spiritual growth. The amethyst element helps open up intuition and spiritual insights, while the citrine energy encourages manifesting these insights in physical life.
- Many people use ametrine during meditation to open their third eye and strengthen their connection to the inner self, while maintaining a down-to-earth focus on their goals.
5. Energizing and Creativity
- Citrine's powerful energy allows ametrine to provide a boost of positive energy, stimulating both creativity and motivation. It helps to release self-doubt and inspires to dare to take on new ideas and projects with enthusiasm.
- Ametrine is therefore popular with creative professionals seeking both inspiration and the inner peace necessary to bring their ideas to life.
How ametrine is used:
Ametrine can be worn as jewelry to keep its energy close to the body during the day, keeping both its calming and energizing properties close at hand. It is also often used during meditation, placed on the third eye to open up intuition, or on the solar plexus to strengthen confidence and creativity. Many also have it in their workplaces or creative spaces to create balance and promote focus and inspiration.
