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 
Tourmaline vs Ametrine
Which Multicoloured Gemstone Should You Choose?
Tourmaline and Ametrine are two of the most captivating multicoloured gemstones. While both offer stunning colour variation, their composition, hardness, value, and care requirements differ.
This comprehensive Tourmaline vs Ametrine gemstone guide will help you understand the key differences and decide which gemstone is right for your jewellery collection.
Tourmaline vs Ametrine: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Tourmaline | Ametrine |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral Family | Borate silicate mineral group | Quartz family (SiO2) – bicoloured amethyst and citrine |
| Hardness | 7 – 7.5 – Durable for jewellery | 7 – Durable for daily wear |
| Value | Moderate to high; depending on colour intensity | Moderate; highly sought for bicolour effect |
| Best For | Tourmaline jewellery, fashion rings, earrings, pendants | Ametrine jewellery, statement pieces, collectors |
| Professional Guides | Tourmaline Buyer’s Guide | Ametrine Buyer’s Guide |
Tourmaline Features, Colour & Investment Value Explained
Tourmaline comes in a wide range of colours, from greens and pinks to rare bi-colours (e.g., watermelon tourmaline). Its hardness of 7–7.5 makes it durable for rings, earrings, and pendants.
Origins & History:
Tourmaline is mined in Brazil, Nigeria, Mozambique, and Madagascar. It has been prized historically for its variety of vivid colours and metaphysical properties, including protection and inspiration.
Price Guide (per carat):
R1,500 – R30,000 depending on colour, clarity, and type.
Ametrine Features, Colour & Durability Explained
Ametrine is a naturally occurring combination of amethyst and citrine in the same crystal, producing a stunning bicoloured effect. With a hardness of 7, it is suitable for most jewellery, including rings and pendants.
Origins & History:
The main source of Ametrine is Bolivia. Its unique bicolour nature makes it a collector favourite and a distinctive choice for multicoloured jewellery.
Price Guide (per carat):
R1,000 – R10,000 depending on bicolour distribution and clarity.
Tourmaline vs Ametrine: Detailed Technical Comparison
| Feature | Tourmaline | Ametrine |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical Composition | Complex boron silicate mineral with aluminium, iron, magnesium, lithium, or potassium | Silicon dioxide (SiO2) with amethyst and citrine zoning |
| Colour | Pink, green, blue, yellow, bi-colour (watermelon) | Purple and yellow/orange bicolour, unique zones |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 7 – 7.5, durable for rings and daily wear | 7 – Suitable for most jewellery |
| Refractive Index | 1.624 – 1.644 | 1.544 – 1.553 |
| Specific Gravity | 3.02 – 3.26 | 2.65 – 2.70 |
| Clarity & Inclusions | Typically eye-clean; minor inclusions acceptable | Generally eye-clean; zoning is natural |
| Origin | Brazil, Nigeria, Mozambique, Madagascar | Bolivia |
| Treatment | Some heat treatment for colour enhancement | Rarely treated; natural bicolour preferred |
| Best Use | Fashion rings, earrings, pendants, tourmaline jewellery | Statement pieces, collectors, ametrine jewellery |
Tourmaline vs Ametrine: Colour, Hardness & Care Tips
- Tourmaline: Wide colour variety; durable; suitable for daily wear; clean gently with mild soap.
- Ametrine: Distinct bicolour zones; Mohs 7; avoid knocks; ideal for statement jewellery.
Tourmaline vs Ametrine: How to Tell Them Apart
💡 Tip: Tourmaline shows a wider colour range, whereas Ametrine always displays purple and yellow/orange zoning. Hardness and brilliance also help identify them. Professional gem testing is recommended for high-value pieces.
Tourmaline Summary
- Hardness: Mohs 7 – 7.5
- Colour: Wide range; pink, green, watermelon
- Refractive Index: 1.624 – 1.644
- Clarity: Eye-clean; minor inclusions acceptable
- Care: Suitable for daily wear; avoid harsh chemicals
Ametrine Summary
- Hardness: Mohs 7
- Colour: Bicolour – purple + yellow/orange
- Refractive Index: 1.544 – 1.553
- Clarity: Eye-clean; zoning is natural
- Care: Durable; avoid impacts
Buying Tips
- Request a gem certificate for both gemstones.
- Check colour, clarity, and natural bicolour for Ametrine.
- Consider treatment disclosure for Tourmaline.
- Evaluate jewellery setting; protective settings enhance durability.
- Browse our Tourmaline Collection and Ametrine Collection.
Which Should You Choose?
- Tourmaline: For fashion, variety, and versatile multicoloured jewellery.
- Ametrine: For collectors and statement pieces with unique bicolour appeal.
Tourmaline vs Ametrine FAQ’s
Can Tourmaline be worn daily?
Yes, Mohs hardness 7–7.5 makes it durable.
The difference between Tourmaline and Ametrine?
Tourmaline has a wide colour range; Ametrine is always purple and yellow/orange bicolour.
Is Ametrine rare?
Yes, natural Ametrine is rarer than most Tourmaline colours.
Are these gemstones treated?
Tourmaline: sometimes heat-treated; Ametrine: mostly untreated.
Which gemstone is better for jewellery?
Both are excellent; choice depends on style preference and colour appeal.
How do I care for this jewellery?
Clean gently with mild soap and water; store separately; avoid impact.
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