Alexandrite

Alexandrite is a high price stone most commonly set for jewelry as rings.

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The alexandrite variety of chrysoberyl displays a color change dependent upon the nature of ambient lighting .

Color change phenomena

Alexandrite effect is the phenomena of an observed color change from greenish to reddish. With a change in source illumination. It results from small scale replacement of aluminum by chromium ions in the crystal structure. It causes intense absorption of light over a narrow range of wavelengths in the yellow region of the visible light spectrum.

Because human vision is most sensitive to green light and least sensitive to red light. It appears greenish in daylight where the full spectrum of visible light is present. And reddish in incandescent light which emits less green and blue spectrum. This color change is independent of any change of hue with viewing direction through the crystal that would arise from pleochroism.

Stones from the Ural Mountains in Russia can be green by daylight and red by incandescent light. Other varieties may be yellowish or also pink in daylight and a columbine or raspberry red by incandescent light.

Stones that show a dramatic color change and strong colors are rare and sought-after. But stones that show less distinct colors may also be considered alexandrite by gem labs such as the Gemological Institute of America.

History

According to a popular but controversial story, The stone was discovered by the Finnish mineralogist Nils Gustaf Nordenskiöld (1792–1866). And named alexandrite in honor of the future Tsar Alexander II of Russia. Nordenskiöld’s initial discovery occurred as a result of an examination of a newly found mineral sample. He had received from Perovskii, which he identified as emerald at first. The first emerald mine opened in 1831.

5 carats stones and larger were traditionally thought to be found only in the Ural Mountains. But have since been found in larger sizes in Brazil. Other deposits are located in India, also Madagascar, Tanzania and Sri Lanka. Gemstones in sizes over three carats are very rare.

Synthetic

Today, several labs can produce synthetic lab-grown stones with the same chemical and physical properties as natural stone. Several methods can produce flux-grown, also Czocchralski (or pulled), and hydrothermally-produced stones. Flux-grown gems are fairly difficult to distinguish from natural gemstone as they contain inclusions that seem natural.

Czochralski or pulled alexandrite is easier to identify because it is very clean. And contains curved striations visible under magnification. Although the color change in pulled stones can be from blue to red. The color change does not truly resemble that of natural stone from any deposit. Hydrothermal lab-grown stones has identical physical and chemical properties to real stones.

Some gemstones falsely described as lab-grown synthetic alexandrite. They are actually synthetic color change corundum. Or also synthetic color change spinel. They are not actually chrysoberyl. As a result, they would be more accurate to describe it as a simulated alexandrite rather than synthetic.

This alexandrite-like sapphire material has been around for almost 100 years. It shows a characteristic purple colour change. It does not really look like alexandrite because there is never any green.

Alexandrite meaning and healing properties benefits

The following section is pseudo scientific and based on cultural beliefs.

The crystal is a stone that holds great balancing properties that harmonize your physical self with your emotional and spiritual being. The stone is known to work with your crown chakra in order to initiate a process of emotional healing by leading you to the energies of love and healing.

FAQ

How much is real alexandrite rings?

In sizes up to one carat, top quality natural alexandrite rings as jewelry can sell price for up to $15,000 per carat. Over one carat, the prices range from $50,000 to $70,000 per carat.

What is alexandrite used for?

The gemstone has been used for crystal healing since its discovery. Overall, the gemstone is believed to bring good fortune to its owner and help enhance self-esteem. It has been used for healing inner ear problems, clearing the lymph system, and for disorders related to the blood and circulatory system in general.

Is alexandrite a precious stone?

It is a semi precious stone. There are only four precious stones : Diamond, ruby, sapphire and emerald.

Is alexandrite jewelry more expensive than diamonds?

Few gemstones are as valuable as diamonds, but price may be one of them. top quality rings as jewelry below 1 carat can be more expensive than diamond.

How can I tell if alexandrite is real?

Genuine gemstones of about one carat are rarely without eye-visible inclusions, so the fact that you can’t see anything in the stone doesn’t mean it’s not genuine. A look under the microscope at 10X or more is recommended.

Is synthetic alexandrite price worth anything?

Synthetic price is more valuable than most other synthetic gems because it is more difficult to produce. Of course, it is cheap compare to the price of natural stones.

Why is alexandrite so rare?

There are very few mines which produce small quantities. There is much more demand than supply, so the price is very high.

Who should wear alexandrite stone?

Since this gemstone is considered as the birthstone of the month of June, people born in the month of June are advised to wear this gemstone. In addition to this, people born under the zodiac sign of Cancer can also wear the gemstone to benefit from its mystical properties or just wear it for fashion. Moreover, people born under the zodiac signs of Virgo, Taurus, Gemini, and Leo can also wear this gemstone.

Can alexandrite be purple?

Under incandescent or candle light, it can appear purple to purplish red.

Where is alexandrite found?

Brazil, Sri Lanka, and East Africa are now the main sources of stones, though these gems are not as vividly colored as the original Russian gemstones. Natural gems are now rarer than diamonds.

Natural alexandrite for sale in our gem shop

We make custom made alexandrite jewelry as engagement rings, necklaces, stud earrings, bracelets, pendants… Please contact us for a quote.