The Anahí Ametrine Mine, Bolivia

The Anahí mine, Bolivia, has produced large amounts of amethyst, citrine, and amethyst-citrine for the gem market. Field and experimental investigations conclusively show that the amethyst-citrine color combination in quartz crystals from Anahí is natural and does not result from laboratory treatment. The unusual color patterns probably result from the uncommon geologic conditions under which these quartz crystals formed, although the crystal chemical properties controlling the sector color zoning still elude explanation. From 1989 to the present, more than 100 tons of ametrine crystals, yielding 40-80 kg of cutting rough per ton, have been produced.