Alexandrite Properties and other information

Hardness -                            Alexandrite has a hardness of 8.5

Specific Gravity -                   3.71-3.72

Countries Alexandrite is Found -   Alexandrite is found in United States, Russia (Ural Mountains), Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Zimbabwe (Rhodesia), Brazil, Madagascar, Italy.
 

Birthstone Months -             Modern Birthstone of June, Russian Birthstone of August.

Anniversary Months -         Alexandrite is the anniversary month stone 45th and 55th year of marriage..

Star Stone Months -            Alexandrite is not a star stone.

Care and Treatment -          Never subject Alexandrite to harsh blows and impacts. Alexandrite is easily susceptible to scratches. High temperature will affect the natural characters of Alexandrite such as jewelers torch. Treating your Alexandrite jewelry with chemicals is also not good.

Guide for Shopping -           Color change of Alexandrite is the most distinguishing property of Alexandrite. You have to note the color change of the gemstone before purchasing. The complete color change from green to red without any sequence of other colors in between represents the more valuable and rare gemstone. For viewing the natural color of the gemstone take the Alexandrite to the shady area and not to direct sunlight. For checking the color change take the gemstone to a darker place where you have only the incandescent light. Better the color change, the better the quality of gemstone. Cut, clarity and carat are the other factors to evaluate good quality Alexandrite.
 

Healing Powers -                Alexandrite jewelry is worn to cure any central nervous system disorders. Problems with spleen and pancreas can be corrected using Alexandrite. Alexandrite jewelry also helps to increase self-esteem and lower the difficulty in centering involvement.

Alexandrite Rings, Earrings, and Jewelry

Alexandrite History

Alexandrite is discovered in April 1834 in the emerald mines near the Tokovaya River in the Urals. Alexandrite is a valuable rare gemstone which changes its color from red to green. It is considered as the national stone of tsarist Russia, because of its red and green color. Alexandrite was named after the Russian tsar Alexander II of 1818. The master gemologist George Frederick Kunz was a great fan of Alexandrite, he was fascinated by the beautiful color change of this gemstone.

Alexandrite is green or bluish green in daylight and red or purplish red in incandescent light. This unique character of this chrysoberyl gemstone make them more valuable among others. The type of chrysoberyl in Alexandrite contains chromium as its major type of impurity. Russia had been the major source of Alexandrite before the discovery of Hematita in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The Alexandrite from Brazil exhibited distinctive color change and good clarity. Alexandrite from other mines didn't show distinctive color change.  

Alexandrite is an widely accepted as a beautiful gemstone for various types of jewelry. The distinctive color change of this gemstone have attracted many generations. The price of the Alexandrite jewelry is judged using the quality of color change, more distinct the color change more valuable the stone is. Alexandrite pendants and rings are really a great gift of honor. Pure Alexandrite is too expensive than ruby or emerald.

How to Buy a Alexandrite

The value of Alexandrite is judged using the quality of color change. A complete transition of color from red to green without bleeding into intermediate colors makes the gemstone more valuable. Clarity and cutting quality are the other factors that determine the price of the gemstone. Large sized gemstone cost you very high premiums.

Like all other gemstones the 4C's also counts in the price of the gemstone such as color, cut, clarity and carat. There are different types of cut available in Alexandrite such as pear, cushion, emerald, fan, baguette and fancy out of these the most common is oval facet. Alexandrite usually has small inclusions, a gemstone without inclusions is very rare to fine. Alexandrite is a Type 2 GIA (Gemological Institute of America) gemstone, meaning will have small inclusions. Other terminology used in Alexandrite gemstone with reference to clarity is VVS Alexandrite meaning Very Very Slightly included or minimum inclusions.

Some questions to ask when purchasing a Alexandrite are:

• Check for quality and nature of color change in Alexandrite
• Notice for visible inclusions in the gemstone
• Size of the gemstone should be verified