1st - Gold 
January 
February 
March 
April 
May 
June 
July 
August 
September 
October 
November 
December 
Capricorn - Garnet 
Aquarius - Amethyst 
Pisces - Aquamarine 
Aries - Diamond 
Taurus - Emerald 
Gemini - Pearl 
Cancer - Ruby 
Leo - Peridot 
Virgo - Blue Sapphire 
Libra - Opal 
Scorpio - Topaz 
Sagittarius - Tanzanite 
Ametrine vs Spinel
Which Multicoloured Gemstone Should You Choose?
When it comes to multicoloured gemstones, Ametrine and Spinel offer unique beauty and versatility. Ametrine displays a striking blend of amethyst purple and citrine yellow, while Spinel dazzles in a range of vibrant colours, including red, pink, and rare bi-colour forms.
This Ametrine vs Spinel gemstone comparison guide will help you understand their composition, hardness, value, and care requirements so you can make an informed purchase for jewellery or collection.
Ametrine vs Spinel: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Ametrine | Spinel |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral Family | Quartz (Amethyst + Citrine) | Spinel |
| Hardness | 7 – Durable for jewellery | 8 – Very durable |
| Value | Moderate; unique bi-colour makes it collectible | Moderate to high; prized for colour and brilliance |
| Best For | Ametrine jewellery, statement rings, pendants | Spinel jewellery, daily wear rings, collection pieces |
| Professional Guides | Ametrine Buyer’s Guide | Spinel Buyer’s Guide |
Ametrine Features, Colour & Jewellery Appeal
Ametrine is a rare quartz variety combining amethyst purple and citrine yellow. Its striking bi-colour effect makes it popular for multicoloured gemstone jewellery.
Origins & Significance:
Ametrine is primarily mined in Bolivia. Its natural colour zoning creates a gemstone that is both elegant and visually captivating.
Price Guide (per carat):
R800 – R5,000 depending on size, colour balance, and clarity.
Best Uses:
Statement rings, pendants, and jewellery where colour contrast is highlighted.
Spinel Features, Colour & Durability
Spinel offers a rich palette of colours, from red and pink to violet, with occasional bi-colour varieties. With Mohs hardness 8, it is highly durable and suitable for daily wear jewellery.
Origins & History:
Spinels are found in Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Tanzania, and Madagascar. Red and pink spinels are prized for their brilliance, and historically some famous “rubies” in crowns were actually spinels.
Price Guide (per carat):
R5,000 – R70,000 depending on colour, size, and quality.
Best Uses:
Rings, earrings, and collection pieces where brilliance and colour vibrancy are desired.
Ametrine vs Spinel: Detailed Technical Comparison
| Feature | Ametrine | Spinel |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Silicon dioxide (SiO2) – combination of amethyst and citrine zones | Magnesium aluminium oxide (MgAl2O4) |
| Colour | Purple and yellow bi-colour; violet to golden yellow | Red, pink, violet, rare bi-colour; bright and vivid |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 7 – Suitable for rings, pendants, moderate wear | 8 – Very durable for daily wear |
| Refractive Index | 1.544 – 1.553 | 1.718 – 1.736 |
| Specific Gravity | 2.65 – 2.70 | 3.58 – 3.61 |
| Clarity & Inclusions | Generally eye-clean; minor natural inclusions possible | Usually eye-clean; minor inclusions acceptable |
| Origin | Bolivia (Sierra de San Luis) | Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Tanzania, Madagascar |
| Treatment | Usually untreated; natural colour zoning prized | Mostly untreated; occasional heat treatment |
| Best Use | Ametrine jewellery, statement rings, pendants | Spinel jewellery, daily wear rings, collection pieces |
Ametrine vs Spinel: Colour, Hardness & Care Tips
Colour Comparison:
- Ametrine: Distinct bi-colour zones of purple and golden yellow, highly collectible.
- Spinel: Bright red, pink, violet; occasionally bi-colour.
Hardness & Durability:
- Ametrine: Mohs 7 – suitable for rings and pendants but needs gentle wear.
- Spinel: Mohs 8 – highly durable, ideal for everyday jewellery.
Care Tips:
- Ametrine: Avoid harsh knocks; clean with mild soap and water.
- Spinel: Hard and durable; occasional cleaning with mild soap recommended.
How to Tell Ametrine and Spinel Apart
💡 Tip: Check colour zoning and hardness. Ametrine shows natural purple-to-yellow bi-colour, while spinel displays uniform or rare bi-colour zones. Always verify with a professional for high-value pieces.
Ametrine Summary
- Hardness: Mohs 7 – moderate wear
- Colour: Purple and yellow bi-colour
- Refractive Index: 1.544 – 1.553
- Inclusions: Minimal; natural zoning prized
- Care: Gentle handling required
Spinel Summary
- Hardness: Mohs 8 – very durable
- Colour: Red, pink, violet; occasional bi-colour
- Refractive Index: 1.718 – 1.736
- Inclusions: Usually eye-clean
- Care: Durable; suitable for daily wear
Buying Tips
- Always request certification for Ametrine and Spinel jewellery.
- Check colour zoning for Ametrine and brightness for Spinel.
- Consider the type of jewellery: Ametrine shines in statement pieces; Spinel works well for daily wear.
- Browse our Ametrine Collection and Spinel Collection.
Which Should You Choose?
- Ametrine: Unique bi-colour appeal, collectible, statement jewellery.
- Spinel: Durable, versatile, bright colour options, suitable for everyday jewellery.
Both gemstones are stunning multicoloured gemstones, but understanding their properties ensures the right choice for style, durability, and value.
Ametrine vs Spinel FAQ’s
Can Ametrine be worn daily?
Yes, but Mohs 7 hardness means it should be worn with some care.
Are spinels treated?
Most spinels are untreated; only occasional heat-treated stones exist.
Which gemstone is rarer, Ametrine or Spinel?
Ametrine is rarer, especially with balanced bi-colour zones.
Can Ametrine and Spinel be used in rings?
Yes; spinel is highly durable, Ametrine works best in protected or statement ring settings.
Are there bi-colour Spinels?
Rarely; most Spinels have uniform colour, but some collectors’ pieces feature bi-colour.
Which gemstone is better for jewellery investment?
Ametrine has collectible value; Spinel is more widely available and affordable.
COMPARE GEMSTONES WITH CONFIDENCE
Gemstone Comparison Guides
Choosing between two beautiful gemstones can be challenging. Our professional Gemstone Comparison Guides help you clearly understand the differences between popular gemstones so you can make a confident and informed choice.
Each comparison explores the key factors that influence gemstone quality and value, including colour, clarity, durability, rarity and typical treatments. You will also learn how similar-looking gemstones differ in appearance, composition, hardness and more.
HERE IS ALL THE PROFESSIONAL INFORMATION YOU NEED
Gemstone Buyer's Guides
Buying a gemstone should be exciting — but understanding quality, rarity and value is essential before making the right choice. Our professional Gemstone Buyer’s Guides help you understand how colour, clarity, cut and treatments influence the beauty and value of different gemstones.
Each guide explains the key quality factors used by gemologists, including gemstone composition, colour grading, natural inclusions, treatments and origin. You will also learn how these factors affect rarity, durability and market value.
Beryl Family
Feldspar Gemstones
Pyroxene Gemstones
Spodumene Family
Chalcedony & Agate
Quartz Gemstones
Amethyst
Ametrine
Citrine
Prasiolite
Quartz
Rose Quartz
Rutile Quartz
Smoky Quartz
Rare & Collector Gemstones
Apatite
Chrysoberyl
Clinozoisite
Fluorite
Grandidierite
Iolite
Jade
Kyanite
Lapis Lazuli
Phosphosiderite
Prehnite
Serendibite
Sillimanite
Sphene
Sugilite
Vesuvianite