Alexandrite

Alexandrite is a beautiful, rare stone. It is very difficult to find natural alexandrite. Most Alexandrites on the market are synthetic. Alexandrite rings are very beautiful. 

Alexandrite General Information 

Chromium gives alexandrite its colour and while, in most minerals, a trace element like chromium would provide only one colour to the mineral, in alexandrite it gives it two! Colouring agents are dependent on the wavelength of light and the chemical bonds in the crystal to determine the colour that they will cause. An element like copper, in normal light, can cause a green colour in malachite and a blue colour in azurite, it all depends on the character of the chemical bonding. In a single specimen of alexandrite, the chromium is in such a balanced situation that the colour of the specimen depends on the character of light that hits the crystal. If the light is natural sunlight or fluorescent light, the crystal will be green; however, if the light is incandescent light from a common indoor light bulb, then the crystal will appear red. 

Synthetic corundum spiked with trace elements that yield an alexandrite-like colour change are sold as alexandrite on the gemstone market. These stones have a red-violet, near-amethyst colour in incandescent light and a blue-violet colour in daylight. They are far cheaper than natural alexandrite, which are some of the rarest and most expensive of gemstones.  

Protect alexandrite from scratches, sharp blows, harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures. Be especially careful when getting this stone (re)mounted as the heat from a jewellers torch may affect its colour change.

False Names

Blue Alexandrite - Colour changing sapphire (sapphire with the same optical phenomenon as alexandrite)

Where Alexandrite is mined

Alexandrite is also sometimes available as an unset stone but it is extremely rare in fine qualities. The original source in Russia's Ural Mountains has long since closed after producing for only a few decades and only a few stones can be found on the market today. Material with a certificate of Russian origin is still particularly valued by the trade. Some alexandrite is found in Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe and Brazil but very little shows a dramatic colour change. For many years, alexandrite was almost impossible to find because there was so little available.

Then in 1987, a new find of alexandrite was made in Brazil at a locality called Hematita. The Hematita alexandrite shows a striking and attractive colour change from raspberry red to bluish green. Although alexandrite remains extremely rare and expensive, the production of a limited amount of new material means a new generation of jewellers and collectors have been exposed to this beautiful gemstone, creating an upsurge in popularity and demand.

Anniversary Gemstone for Alexandrite

Alexandrite is the anniversary gemstone for the 45th and 55th year of marriage.

Alexandrite Mystical Properties

Alexandrite can assist one in centering the self, reinforcing self-esteem, and augmenting ones ability to experience joy.

More Alexandrite Lore 

Alexandrite was discovered in 1831 and is named after Alexander II of Russia. Alexandrite is looked upon as a good omen in Russia.