Comparison · Quartz Family vs Minerals
Amethyst vs Ametrine
Amethyst and Ametrine are easy to confuse. Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Below is a side-by-side comparison of their properties and the quick tests that separate them.
Key differences between Amethyst and Ametrine
- Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
- Hold a thin edge to the light: Amethyst is transparent, Ametrine is Transparent.
- They overlap in purple, but Ametrine also comes in yellow.
- Well-formed crystals give it away: Amethyst is hexagonal, Ametrine is Trigonal.
Amethyst vs Ametrine properties
| Property | Amethyst | Ametrine |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Quartz Family | Minerals |
| Mohs hardness | 7 | 7 |
| Luster | vitreous | Vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Transparency | transparent | Transparent |
| Specific gravity | 2.65 | 2.65 |
| Crystal system | hexagonal | Trigonal |
| Common colors | Purple, Violet, Deep Purple, Lavender | Purple and yellow bicolor zoning |
| Rarity | common | common |
| Typical specimen value | $10–$500+ | $2–$150+ |
Which is more valuable?
Amethyst is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $50 against $20 for Ametrine, and premium Amethyst can reach $500 or more.
About Amethyst
Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz and is the traditional birthstone for February. It's prized for its beautiful purple color ranging from light lavender to deep violet.
About Ametrine
Ametrine is a naturally occurring bicolor variety of quartz that combines the violet tones of amethyst with the golden hues of citrine within a single crystal. The color zoning arises from differing oxidation states of trace iron impurities distributed unevenly across growth sectors of the same silicon dioxide crystal. Most commercial ametrine traces back to a single deposit in Bolivia, though heat-treated material is also common in the gem trade.
Amethyst vs Ametrine FAQ
Is Amethyst the same as Ametrine?
No. Amethyst is a quartz family while Ametrine is a mineral. Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead.
How can you tell Amethyst from Ametrine?
Both sit near Mohs 7, so a scratch test alone will not separate them. Lean on luster, streak and heft instead. Hold a thin edge to the light: Amethyst is transparent, Ametrine is Transparent. They overlap in purple, but Ametrine also comes in yellow.
Which is harder, Amethyst or Ametrine?
They are about equally hard, both near Mohs 7.
Which is more valuable, Amethyst or Ametrine?
Amethyst is usually the more valuable of the two: a typical collector specimen runs about $50 against $20 for Ametrine, and premium Amethyst can reach $500 or more.
