Exceptional large, rare, hydrothermally etched Ametrine from the world-famous Anahí Mine in Bolivia, revealing the remarkable coexistence of golden Ferruginous Quartz and purple Amethyst within a single crystal. Displaying intense colour saturation and contrast when backlit, combined with a sculptural and highly aesthetic form that records multiple stages of geological history. Believed to represent less than 3% of Bolivian Ametrine, hydrothermally etched specimens are among the rarest forms of this already exceptionally rare Quartz variety.
0.360g
13 x 6.5 x 5 cm
Only 1 left in stock
Naturally hydrothermally etched Ametrine specimen from the world-famous Anahí Mine in Bolivia. Unlike polished Ametrine, these specimens preserve their natural crystal form, with the original faces dramatically sculpted by hydrothermal activity into intricate ridges, terraces and channels.
After the crystal had fully formed, a later pulse of hot, mineral-rich fluids began dissolving the Quartz rather than depositing more of it. This natural process selectively etched away the smooth crystal faces, exposing the crystal’s internal architecture and creating the spectacular textures we see here. The result is a specimen that records multiple stages of geological history within a single crystal – growth, colour development, and natural hydrothermal sculpting.
Every etched Ametrine is completely unique, making these some of the most visually striking and scientifically fascinating Quartz specimens ever discovered.
The Anahí Mine is the world’s most important source of natural Ametrine and remains the benchmark locality for this rare Quartz variety. Located in eastern Bolivia, the deposit is renowned for producing specimens displaying exceptional clarity and the distinctive coexistence of purple Amethyst and golden Ferruginous Quartz, that when cut perpendicular to the C-axis displays distinctive sectors in a pinwheel-like pattern.
What makes Ametrine so fascinating is the exceptionally rare set of geological conditions required for it to form. Both the purple Amethyst and golden Ferruginous Quartz (previously thought to be Citrine, hence its name), owe their colour to trace amounts of iron. During crystal growth, changes in temperature, oxidation state, and natural irradiation are believed to produce the sharply defined colour sectors that make Ametrine instantly recognisable.
Hydrothermally etched Ametrine represents an even rarer chapter in the story of the Anahí Mine. Once the crystals had finished growing, the chemistry of the hydrothermal fluids changed dramatically. Instead of depositing additional Quartz, these later fluids partially dissolved the existing crystals, naturally carving away their smooth faces to create the intricate etched surfaces preserved today.
These remarkable specimens are believed to have originated from just a handful of pockets within the entire mine, making them an exceptionally small fraction of an already rare material. Back in 2008, the mine was producing around 120 tonnes of quartz per year but only around 2.5 – 3.5 tonnes was considered gem quality. Of that, roughly only 33% was material sold as Ametrine with under 3% of that were hydrothermally etched specimens.
According to legend, Europeans first learned of Ametrine during the 17th century when a Spanish conquistador presented the remarkable bicoloured Quartz to the Spanish Crown. The conquistador is said to have received the mine as a dowry when he married Anahí, a princess of the Ayoreo people, after whom the mine was named. Following this early account, the deposit was largely forgotten for over 300 years before being rediscovered during the 1970s, when increasing demand for gem-quality Ametrine led to the development of commercial mining.
• Rare, Natural hydrothermally etched Ametrine
• World-famous Anahí Mine locality
• Distinct Amethyst and Ferruginous Quartz colour zoning
• Intricately sculpted crystal surfaces formed by natural hydrothermal dissolution
• One of the world’s rarest and most unusual Quartz varieties
Hydrothermally etched Ametrine represents the pinnacle of Anahí Mine material, combining one of the world’s rarest Quartz varieties with an extraordinary secondary geological process that has naturally sculpted each crystal into a unique work of mineralogical art. Beyond its beauty, each specimen preserves evidence of multiple stages of crystal evolution – from its original growth and colour zoning to the later hydrothermal fluids that transformed its surface. Their exceptional rarity, unmistakable appearance, and direct connection to the world’s premier Ametrine locality make them among the most desirable Quartz specimens available to collectors.
| Weight | 0.360 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13 × 6.5 × 5 cm |
To assist customers in “stretching” to higher-value specimens, we are happy to work with you on payment plans for orders over £150 with terms starting from 2 months all the way to 12 months for larger purchases . Full payment must be made within the calendar year.
Payment plans are not applicable for items that are discounted or on sale.
1. A 25% NON-REFUNDABLE down payment is required to initiate the payment plan and reserve the item(s), due immediately upon receipt of the first invoice. This 25% will be of the total purchase price including shipping and taxes (if applicable). If you’d like to put down more than 25%, we can adjust the remaining payments accordingly.
2. The remaining 75% (or less, if more than 25% was paid initially) will be divided into monthly payments of equal amounts to be completed within the calendar year. The number of payments is subject to discussion with a member of staff who will work closely with clients to custom tailor payment plans.
3. Clients will receive an invoice to initiate payment – subsequent invoices will be emailed to you monthly. Cancellation or failure to pay invoices with a lapse of 10 days will result in cancellation of the payment plan and forfeiture of the item and 25% non-refundable deposit and admin fee. Any amount paid in excess of the non-refundable deposit would be refunded via the method of payment used.
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