Color Changing Alexandrite |
This gemstone is the most known and a most valued branch of the Chrysoberyl family, and very rare indeed. Only chrysoberyls embodying a color change can be named alexandrite. It emerged millions of years ago, and was discovered in the 1830's on the day Alexander II, the future Czar, came of age, and was named after him. With its combination of the colors green and red, the colors of imperial Russia, it soon became its national stone of Czarist Russia.
Its outstanding characteristic is its ability to change color from dark green in the daylight to a raspberry,purplish or dark red color in artificial light. Other color changes are also possible, but there should be no evidence of gray or brown. This feature makes it highly prized by jewelry enthusiasts and collectors. It contains titanium, chromium and iron which differentiates it from others of the Chrysoberyl group. Although the chromium is actually an impurity, it is what accounts for the stone's color-changing ability. The more vivid the color change, the more valuable the alexandrite.
The primary sources of alexandrite are Myanmar (formerly Burma), Sri Lanka, Russia, Madagascar,Tanzania, India, and Zimbabwe, In 1987 a place in Minas Gerais, Brazil was the site of finding color-changing alexandrites of good clarity, although the colors were not as vivid as stones from Russia which were thought to be depleted.
As an amulet it is supposed to enhance imagination and creativity, and bring good luck. It is also believed to improve the nervous system, help pancreas problems, and improve self-esteem. It is the stone for the 45th and 55th wedding anniversary, and along with moonstone and pearls is the birthstone for Gemini. On the Mohl's scale of hardness it rates a 8.5
Its rareness is caused by the fact that certain chemical conditions must occur in its creation, namely the joining of chromium and beryllium which do not commonly occur together. Also silica cannot be involved as emeralds could be created. Vanadium may also be partially responsible. Alexandrites above the size of one carat, if properly faceted, are more costly than a fine sapphire, ruby, or emerald. Most alexandrites on the market are synthetic as it is seldom used in the jewelry of today. It can be noted in some Victorian jewelry however,
Improved relationships with Russia have caused more of a supply for dealers. Alexandrite must be protected from scratches, extreme temperature changes, harsh chemicals and blows, so dealers usually keep the items separated.
George Kunz was a master gemologist for Tiffany Jewelers in the late 1800's and alexandrite fascinated him. As a result, Tiffany produced some beautiful jewelry of the stone in the 18th and 20th centuries,