Amazing Alexandrite Gemstone
The Color Shifting Gemstone for Those Born in June
Alexandrite is one of the traditional gemstones for those born in the month of June. Considering that the use of many gemstones date back to pre-historic times, alexandrite’s discovery in 1830 makes it a gemstone in its infancy. This rare, extremely expensive, color-shifting gemstone was discovered in the Ural mountains of Russia on the 12th birthday of Czar Alexander II. Any questions on how this gemstone got its name?
Alexandrite is classified in the chrysoberyl mineral family. To bring some sort of association to what might be an unfamiliar term, cat’s-eye is another member of the chrysoberyl family and emerald’s a member of the beryl family.
Color-Shifting Quality of Alexandrite
The finest specimens of Alexandrite will show as green in natural and fluorescent light and reddish/purple when viewed under ordinary light bulbs. Those that have witnessed the color change in natural Alexandrite say it’s just spectacular.
Inexpensive specimens of chrysoberyl come in the colors yellow, green or brown and lack the color-shifting ability. While inexpensive, it’s still very difficult to find these colors in retail jewelry shops. One will have better luck with cat’s-eye, which is readily available retail.
Cost of Alexandrite
It’s almost impossible to find specimens of Alexandrite and if one could the cost would be prohibitive for all but the wealthy or recent lottery winners looking to blow some of their lucre. The price for untreated specimens of Alexandrite with good color-shifting presentation range from $1,500 to over $20,000 per carat. Color, size and clarity will affect the purchase price.
Alexandrite in Myth and Legend
Since Alexandrite shifts from red to green (Russia’s national colors) this gemstone is considered a gemstone of good omen to Russians.
It’s popularly considered to be luck, good fortune and love drawing.
Cost Effective Alexandrite Substitutes
If one has to have a color-shifting gemstone and doesn’t care if it’s natural or synthetic check out these less expensive alternatives:
- Synthetic Spinel – spinel is a gemstone that comes in many different colors. The deep red version is often used as a substitute for ruby.
- Synthetic Corundum –Ruby and Sapphire are two precious colored gemstone examples of corundum. Some specimens of corundum are multicolored with patches of two colors showing in the same gemstone.
- Andalusite – this gemstone has the ability to show as green when viewed from one direction and reddish/brown when viewed from another. Light source doesn’t affect this color change.
A good place to start in one's search for this gemstone or a substitute is a stop at the local jeweler to inquire on the availability of Andalusite or one of the synthetic stones. Follow up with an internet search and one should be able to find a good synthetic gemstone at a reasonable price.
Not sure what a synthetic gemstone is? Here’s the definition: These are man-made materials which have essentially the same optical, physical and chemical properties as a naturally occurring counterpart.
Source:
- Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Gemstone Enhancement Guide
