Natural Amethyst and Citrine in Bangkok: Fine Stones, Set in Gold
By Ansh Gupta, second generation at KC Gems House, Jewelry Trade Center, Silom Road, Bangkok
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Alt: A deep purple natural amethyst and a golden Madeira citrine, faceted and loose, on a white gem paper in Bangkok
Walk through any Bangkok mall and you will find amethyst and citrine everywhere: tumbled stones, bead bracelets and crystal clusters for luck and calm. That is one world. This page is about the other one: faceted, jewellery-grade amethyst and citrine, chosen for colour and clarity and set in solid gold.
Fine amethyst was once valued alongside ruby and emerald. Until large deposits were found in Brazil in the 19th century, deep purple amethyst was a stone for bishops and royalty. Today it is one of the most affordable fine gemstones in the world, which makes it a wonderful choice for big, bold rings and earrings that would cost a fortune in any other stone.
My family has traded coloured stones in Bangkok since 1990, from our office inside the Jewelry Trade Center on Silom Road. On this page I will explain how to tell fine amethyst and citrine from ordinary material, the trade names that matter, how these stones are treated, what they cost in 2026, and how to choose a piece that will last. If you already know what you want, skip to how to buy from us or see the full natural gemstones collection.
Amethyst and citrine at a glance
Mineral — Quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO2)
Hardness — 7 on the Mohs scale
Crystal system — Trigonal
Amethyst colour — Lilac to deep purple, often with red or blue flashes in the finest stones
Citrine colour — Pale lemon yellow to golden, orange and reddish brown (“Madeira”)
Related varieties — Ametrine (purple and yellow in one stone), prasiolite (green, heated amethyst)
Key origins — Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, Bolivia, Madagascar, Russia (historic)
Typical treatment — Most citrine is heated amethyst; amethyst is usually untreated
Birthstones — Amethyst: February. Citrine: November
Thai names — อเมทิสต์ (พลอยสีตะแบก), ซิทริน
What amethyst and citrine actually are
Both are quartz, one of the most common minerals on earth. What makes them gems is colour.
Amethyst gets its purple from traces of iron in the quartz, activated by natural radiation from the surrounding rock over millions of years. The more iron and the right natural irradiation, the deeper the purple.
Citrine is yellow to orange quartz. Natural citrine, coloured in the ground, exists but is uncommon and usually pale yellow. Most citrine on the market is amethyst or smoky quartz that has been heated, which turns the purple into yellow, gold or orange. This is a standard, stable treatment.
Ametrine is quartz that is part amethyst and part citrine in a single crystal, found mainly at the Anahí mine in Bolivia. Prasiolite, sometimes sold as “green amethyst”, is amethyst heated to a pale leek green.
Amethyst in history
The word amethyst comes from the ancient Greek “amethystos”, meaning “not intoxicated”. Greeks believed the stone protected its wearer from drunkenness, and wine cups were carved from it. Medieval European bishops wore amethyst rings as a symbol of piety, and Catherine the Great of Russia sent miners into the Urals to find the deepest purple stones. Russian amethyst from that era set the standard for the colour that the trade still calls “Siberian”.
Until the 19th century, fine amethyst was priced alongside the precious stones. The discovery of huge geodes in southern Brazil and Uruguay brought prices down sharply, and amethyst became the affordable luxury it is today.
Amethyst and citrine in Thai belief
In Thailand, amethyst is sometimes called พลอยสีตะแบก, after the purple flowers of the ตะแบก (crape myrtle) tree. Amethyst and citrine are among the most popular หินมงคล (lucky stones). Many Thai buyers wear amethyst for calm and good fortune and citrine for wealth and business luck. These are cultural beliefs, and we respect them. For buyers who want a fine, faceted lucky stone in gold rather than a bead bracelet, amethyst and citrine are a natural fit.
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Alt: A raw amethyst geode next to a faceted amethyst cut from the same deep purple material
How to judge amethyst
Colour
Colour is everything with amethyst.
• Hue. The finest amethyst is a pure purple to slightly reddish purple. Bluish purple is also attractive. Brownish or grey casts lower the value.
• Tone. Medium-dark to dark is preferred, as long as the stone stays bright and does not look black indoors.
• Saturation. Strong, vivid purple is worth much more than pale lilac.
• Flashes. The very best amethyst shows red and blue flashes as the stone moves. This is the look the trade calls “Siberian”.
• Colour zoning. Amethyst often grows in bands of different purple strength. A good cutter hides the zoning face up. Visible stripes of colour lower the value.
Trade names you will hear
Siberian — The top colour grade: deep, saturated purple with red and blue flashes. A grade, not necessarily a Russian origin
Uruguayan — Deep, saturated purple from Uruguay’s Artigas region, often small crystals with intense colour
Zambian — Deep purple, often with a reddish secondary hue, from Zambia
Brazilian — A wide range, from pale lilac to fine purple; the main commercial source
Rose de France — Pale lilac to pinkish lavender amethyst, popular in vintage jewellery
Clarity
Amethyst is a “type I” gem: it is expected to be eye clean, and clean material is plentiful even in large sizes. Do not accept visible inclusions in a fine amethyst unless the price reflects it.
Cut
Because amethyst is affordable and clean, you can and should insist on a good cut: bright, even colour across the face, no dark extinction areas, and no window in the centre. Custom and precision cuts, such as checkerboard tops, concave cuts and fancy shapes, are common and add beauty without adding much cost.
How to judge citrine
Colour
• Lemon citrine. Pale to bright lemon yellow. Fresh and modern, and very affordable.
• Golden citrine. A warm, sunny yellow to golden colour. The most popular commercial citrine.
• Madeira citrine. A deep reddish orange to brownish red, named after the colour of Madeira wine. The most valuable citrine colour.
• Brownish citrine. Muddy brown tones lower the value considerably.
The best citrine is a saturated golden to Madeira orange with no brown or smoky cast, and strong brightness.
Clarity and cut
Citrine is also a type I gem and should be eye clean. Like amethyst, it comes in large sizes, and good cutting makes a big difference.
Ametrine and prasiolite
Ametrine
Ametrine is one of the most unusual quartz gems: a single stone with purple amethyst on one side and golden citrine on the other. It forms when different parts of the crystal grow under slightly different conditions, so the iron colour centres develop differently. Almost all natural ametrine comes from the Anahí mine in eastern Bolivia.
A fine ametrine has a clean, sharp split between the two colours, both colours strong, and a cut that shows them side by side face up. Emerald cuts and long rectangles are popular because they show the split clearly. Some ametrine is also cut so the colours blend into peach and lavender tones in the middle. Synthetic ametrine exists, so ask for natural in writing.
Prasiolite (green amethyst)
Prasiolite is pale to leek green quartz, usually produced by heating particular types of amethyst from Brazil. It is sometimes sold as “green amethyst”, which is a trade name rather than a correct mineral name. Prasiolite has a fresh, soft colour that suits modern, minimal jewellery. It should be sold as heated, and like amethyst it can fade in strong sunlight over time.
Are amethyst and citrine treated?
• Amethyst. Usually untreated. Some pale or brownish amethyst is lightly heated to improve colour. Very deep amethyst is almost always natural colour.
• Citrine. Most citrine is heated amethyst. This is a standard, stable treatment, accepted worldwide and reflected in the price. Natural citrine exists and is typically paler. A laboratory can sometimes indicate whether citrine colour is natural or the result of heating.
• Prasiolite (green amethyst). Produced by heating certain amethyst. Natural green quartz exists but is rare.
• Synthetic amethyst and citrine. Hydrothermal synthetic quartz is produced in large quantities and can be hard to identify without laboratory equipment. It is fine when sold as synthetic, but should never be sold as natural. This is one more reason to buy from a dealer who puts “natural” in writing.
Our rule: every stone is described in writing as natural or synthetic, and treated or untreated, before you pay. For large or important stones, GIT and AIGS are a short walk from our office at JTC.
What a laboratory checks on amethyst and citrine
For most amethyst and citrine, a laboratory report is not worth its cost compared with the stone’s price. For large stones, matched suites and expensive finished pieces, it can give peace of mind. A laboratory will typically:
• Confirm the stone is quartz and not glass or another material.
• Look for signs of natural growth, such as natural colour zoning patterns, twinning and inclusions, that separate natural from hydrothermal synthetic quartz.
• Use spectroscopy where needed. Some synthetic amethyst shows features in infrared testing that natural amethyst does not.
• Comment on citrine colour where possible, sometimes indicating that the colour is consistent with heating.
GIT and AIGS can both test amethyst and citrine, and both are a short walk from our office at JTC.
Where the best amethyst and citrine come from
Brazil — The world’s largest source of amethyst and citrine, from pale to fine, including most heated citrine
Uruguay — Small, deep, saturated purple amethyst
Zambia — Deep purple amethyst, often reddish
Bolivia — Ametrine and amethyst
Madagascar — Amethyst and citrine
Russia (Urals) — The historic “Siberian” amethyst, rare in the market today
Africa (Tanzania, Kenya, Namibia) — Amethyst of varying quality
Amethyst and citrine price per carat in 2026
Amethyst and citrine are priced per carat like other gems, but at a very different level. Here are typical Bangkok retail ranges for natural, faceted, eye-clean stones from 2 to 20 carats with a good cut.
Pale lilac amethyst, Rose de France — $3 to $12
Commercial medium purple amethyst — $5 to $20
Fine deep purple amethyst — $15 to $50
Top “Siberian” grade amethyst with flashes — $40 to $120
Lemon citrine — $3 to $15
Golden citrine — $5 to $25
Fine Madeira citrine — $15 to $60
Ametrine, good colour split — $10 to $50
Prasiolite (green amethyst) — $5 to $25
What moves the price:
1. Colour. Top amethyst and Madeira citrine can cost ten times pale material of the same size.
2. Cut quality. Precision and fancy cuts add value.
3. Clarity. Eye-clean is expected; inclusions lower the price sharply.
4. Size. Because the material is plentiful, prices per carat rise slowly with size. A 20 carat amethyst is very affordable compared with almost any other gemstone that size.
The real cost in amethyst and citrine jewellery is usually the gold and craftsmanship, not the stone. That is why fine stones in well-made gold settings are where these gems shine.
What your budget buys
• Under $100: A fine three to five carat amethyst or golden citrine, loose, ready to set.
• $100 to $300: A top colour amethyst of five to ten carats, or a Madeira citrine of five to eight carats.
• $300 to $1,000: A large, top-grade amethyst or Madeira citrine of fifteen carats or more, a perfectly matched pair for earrings, or a fine ametrine.
• $500 to $3,000 for finished jewellery: A solid 14k or 18k gold amethyst or citrine ring, pendant or earrings made in Bangkok, depending on the gold weight and design.
Size guide for amethyst and citrine
Quartz is lighter than sapphire, garnet or zircon, so the same carat weight gives you a bigger stone. Approximate weights for well-cut ovals:
8 x 6 — 1.0
10 x 8 — 2.0
12 x 10 — 3.5
14 x 10 — 4.5
16 x 12 — 7.5
18 x 13 — 10.0
20 x 15 — 14.0
Natural amethyst vs other purple stones
Stone: Amethyst · Hardness: 7 · Colour: Lilac to deep purple · Price for a fine 5 ct: Low
Stone: Purple sapphire · Hardness: 9 · Colour: Violet to purple · Price for a fine 5 ct: High
Stone: Purple spinel · Hardness: 8 · Colour: Lavender to violet · Price for a fine 5 ct: Moderate
Stone: Purple garnet (rhodolite) · Hardness: 7 to 7.5 · Colour: Purple-red to grape · Price for a fine 5 ct: Low to moderate
Stone: Tanzanite · Hardness: 6 to 6.5 · Colour: Violet-blue · Price for a fine 5 ct: Moderate to high
If you want a deep purple stone at a size and price nothing else can match, amethyst wins. If you want a purple stone for a lifetime engagement ring, look at purple sapphire or lavender spinel.
Amethyst and citrine jewellery ideas
Because the stones are affordable, you can be generous with size and design.
• Big cocktail rings. A ten to twenty carat amethyst or Madeira citrine in 18k yellow gold is a showstopper that costs a fraction of any other stone that size.
• Three-stone rings. Amethyst with citrine side stones, or amethyst with diamonds. See our coloured three-stone design.
• Pendants and drop earrings. Large pears and ovals in simple bezels. See our coloured gemstone pendant and coloured gemstone studs.
• Lucky stone rings. For Thai buyers, a faceted amethyst or citrine in a gold ring, matched to your day of birth or intention.
• Birthstone jewellery. Amethyst for February and citrine for November; ideal for mothers’ rings and family pendants.
• Men’s rings. A deep amethyst or Madeira citrine signet ring in yellow gold.
Choosing the right gold colour
• Yellow gold warms up citrine and Madeira citrine and makes deep amethyst look rich and regal. It is the classic choice for big cocktail rings.
• Rose gold flatters pale lilac Rose de France amethyst, pink-toned ametrine and prasiolite, giving a soft vintage feel.
• White gold makes amethyst look cooler and bluer, and makes lemon citrine look crisp and modern.
We make all three in 10k, 14k and 18k gold. 18k gives the richest colour; 14k is a little harder wearing and more affordable; 10k is the most economical.
If you are planning a custom piece, read our breakdown of what factory-price custom jewellery at JTC actually costs and our guide to meaningful jewellery gift ideas on a budget.
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Alt: A large deep purple amethyst cocktail ring set in 18k yellow gold made at the Jewelry Trade Center in Bangkok
How to buy amethyst and citrine safely in Bangkok
1. Decide between beads and gems. Bead bracelets and tumbled stones are a different product from faceted, gem-grade stones. Know which one you are buying and what it should cost.
2. Ask for natural in writing. Synthetic amethyst and citrine are common. A reputable dealer will write “natural” on the invoice.
3. Ask about heat for citrine. “Heated” is normal for citrine and should be stated.
4. Check colour in daylight. Amethyst can look bluer in daylight and redder under warm light. Choose a stone you like in both.
5. Look for zoning. Turn the stone and look through the side. Visible purple and clear bands lower the value.
6. Buy from an established dealer. Avoid any shop a stranger or tuk-tuk driver takes you to. Amethyst and citrine are cheap to buy honestly; overpaying for them in a scam shop is common.
For more, read why Bangkok is one of the world’s best places to buy gemstones and our how to buy page.
Common amethyst and citrine buying mistakes
1. Paying gemstone prices for synthetic quartz. Perfectly even, flawless deep purple at a big size and a suspicious price may be synthetic.
2. Overpaying for “Siberian” that is not. Siberian is a colour grade. If a stone does not show deep purple with red and blue flashes, it is not top grade.
3. Buying brownish citrine as “Madeira”. Madeira should be a clean reddish orange, not muddy brown.
4. Choosing a dark amethyst that goes black indoors. Look at it under indoor lighting before you decide.
5. Choosing silver or plated settings for a stone you will wear for life. The stone is affordable, so put the budget into solid gold and good craftsmanship.
From geode to Bangkok: how amethyst and citrine reach JTC
Most amethyst grows inside hollow volcanic rocks called geodes, in the basalt flows of southern Brazil and northern Uruguay. Miners open the geodes, sort the crystals by colour, and send the best gem material to cutters. Much of the lower grade material becomes decorative geodes and tumbled stones. Zambian amethyst comes from veins in older rocks and is mined by small and mid-sized operations.
Brazil’s own cutting centres handle much of the volume, and a large share of facet-grade amethyst and citrine is also cut in India, Thailand and China. Heat treatment to make citrine is done mainly in Brazil. Finished stones then reach trading centres like Bangkok, where dealers in and around JTC sell calibrated parcels, matched pairs and large single stones to jewellers from around the world. Because the trade here works at volume, you can compare many stones and pick the best colour at fair prices.
Buying amethyst and citrine remotely
When clients buy from abroad, we send, and you should ask any dealer for:
1. A daylight video turning the stone near a window, to show the true colour and any zoning.
2. A warm indoor light video, because amethyst can shift from bluish to reddish purple.
3. A side view, so you can see the depth and check for colour zoning through the pavilion.
4. Measurements and weight, so a setting can be designed to fit.
5. A written statement of natural or synthetic, and heated or not.
Why buy amethyst and citrine from us
There are many shops selling amethyst and citrine in Bangkok. Here is how we work.
• Family trade since 1990. KC Gems House was built by my father, KC Gupta, who began trading coloured stones in Bangkok in 1990. I am the second generation. Read more on our family business page and my page.
• Fine jewellery stones, not beads. We select faceted, eye-clean stones by colour and cut, for setting in gold.
• Natural, in writing. Every stone is invoiced as natural, with any heat treatment stated.
• Inside JTC, at trade level. Our office is in the Jewelry Trade Center on Silom Road.
• Set here in solid gold. We make amethyst and citrine rings, pendants and earrings in 10k, 14k and 18k gold. See custom jewellery in Bangkok or start a custom order.
• Matched pairs and sets. We source matched pairs and suites for earrings and three-stone rings from across the building.
• Worldwide shipping. Daylight videos and photos before you pay, and insured shipping to the UK, Europe, the US and the Middle East.
Caring for amethyst and citrine
• Durability: 7 on the Mohs scale. Good for rings, earrings and pendants with normal care.
• Light: Amethyst can fade slowly after long, direct exposure to strong sunlight. Do not leave it on a windowsill or wear it sunbathing for hours.
• Heat: Avoid sudden temperature changes and high heat during jewellery repair, which can change the colour of quartz. Tell your jeweller the stone is amethyst or citrine.
• Cleaning: Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Ultrasonic cleaning is usually fine for clean stones, but avoid it for included stones.
• Storage: Keep away from sapphire, diamond and other harder stones.
Amethyst and citrine for wholesale buyers
We supply calibrated amethyst and citrine in standard sizes, matched pairs, fancy cuts and large single stones for statement pieces. Tell us the colour grade, sizes, quantity and budget, and we will prepare a parcel with videos. See our wholesale page.
อเมทิสต์แท้ และซิทรินแท้ ที่ JTC สีลม
อเมทิสต์ (Amethyst) หรือพลอยสีตะแบก และซิทริน (Citrine) เป็นพลอยตระกูลควอตซ์ธรรมชาติ มีความแข็ง 7 ตามมาตราโมส์ เป็นหินมงคลที่คนไทยนิยม โดยเชื่อกันว่าอเมทิสต์ช่วยเรื่องความสงบและโชคลาภ ส่วนซิทรินช่วยเรื่องการเงินและการค้าขาย
เราเน้นพลอยเจียระไนเกรดเครื่องประดับ ไม่ใช่หินลูกปัด อเมทิสต์ที่ดีที่สุดมีสีม่วงเข้มสด และมีประกายแดงหรือน้ำเงินเมื่อขยับ ซิทรินที่ดีที่สุดมีสีส้มทองเข้มแบบมาเดรา ซิทรินส่วนใหญ่ในตลาดเกิดจากการเผาอเมทิสต์ ซึ่งเป็นวิธีมาตรฐาน และเราแจ้งให้ทราบเสมอ
เราคือ KC Gems House ค้าพลอยในกรุงเทพฯ มาตั้งแต่ปี 1990 สำนักงานอยู่ในอาคาร Jewelry Trade Center ถนนสีลม เราแจ้งว่าพลอยเป็นของธรรมชาติและการปรับปรุงคุณภาพเป็นลายลักษณ์อักษร และรับทำแหวนอเมทิสต์ แหวนซิทริน จี้ และต่างหู ด้วยทองแท้ 10K 14K และ 18K
Frequently asked questions about amethyst and citrine
Is amethyst a valuable gemstone?
Fine amethyst is a beautiful natural gemstone, but it is affordable because large deposits exist in Brazil, Uruguay and Africa. Top “Siberian” grade amethyst sells for about $40 to $120 per carat in Bangkok, while commercial amethyst sells for much less.
Is citrine natural?
Natural citrine exists but is uncommon and usually pale yellow. Most citrine on the market is natural amethyst or smoky quartz that has been heated to produce yellow and orange colours. The treatment is stable and should be disclosed.
What is Siberian amethyst?
Siberian is a trade grade for the finest amethyst colour: deep, saturated purple with red and blue flashes. The name comes from historic Russian amethyst, but today it describes the colour grade, not the origin.
What is Madeira citrine?
Madeira citrine is deep reddish orange to brownish red citrine, named after the colour of Madeira wine. It is the most valuable citrine colour.
Does amethyst fade in the sun?
Amethyst can fade slowly after long exposure to strong direct sunlight or heat. Normal wear is fine. Avoid leaving it in direct sun for long periods.
Can amethyst be used in an engagement ring?
Yes, with care. Amethyst is 7 on the Mohs scale, so it is softer than sapphire or diamond and can show wear over many years of daily use. A protective setting helps.
How can I tell real amethyst from fake?
Glass imitations are usually easy for a gemmologist to spot. Synthetic amethyst is harder and may need laboratory testing. Buy from a dealer who writes “natural amethyst” on the invoice, and get a report for large, important stones.
What does amethyst mean in Thai belief?
In Thailand, amethyst is a popular lucky stone (หินมงคล), often worn for calm and good fortune. Citrine is popular for wealth and business luck. These are cultural beliefs, and many buyers choose a faceted stone in gold for both beauty and meaning.
Where can I buy real amethyst in Bangkok?
From an established gem dealer in or around the Jewelry Trade Center on Silom Road, with “natural” written on the invoice. Our office is inside JTC.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. We send daylight videos and photos before payment and ship insured worldwide.
Talk to us about amethyst and citrine
Tell us the colour, size, budget and the piece you have in mind, and we will send real daylight videos of stones, or a design for a finished piece in gold. Visit us at JTC, or buy remotely.
Ask about amethyst or citrine
Explore other natural stones: spinel, garnet, zircon, star sapphire, pink and padparadscha sapphire, tourmaline and cat’s eye chrysoberyl. Or go back to all natural gemstones.