Alexandrite is a rare and precious gemstone that belongs to the chrysoberyl family. It is renowned for its remarkable color-changing properties, displaying different colors depending on the lighting conditions. The stone was named after Russian Tsar Alexander II, as it was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s on the day of his birthday.
Typically, alexandrite exhibits a bluish-green or greenish-blue hue in daylight or fluorescent lighting, while under incandescent light it appears to have a purplish-red or raspberry tone. This impressive and distinct color-changing phenomenon, known as pleochroism, is due to the presence of chromium within the crystal structure.
The finest alexandrite gemstones possess a high degree of color change, with an intense and vivid saturation. Additionally, the color contrast between the daylight and incandescent hues is highly valued. The clarity of alexandrite is another important aspect, with eye-clean and inclusion-free specimens being the most desirable.
Since alexandrite is extremely rare, its value can be quite substantial. Apart from Russia, notable deposits have also been found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Madagascar. Due to its scarcity, natural alexandrite is often substituted with synthetic or lab-created versions. These synthetic varieties possess nearly identical physical and optical properties but are created in controlled laboratory environments.
Renowned for its enchanting color-changing properties, alexandrite is considered a prized and sought-after gemstone among collectors and enthusiasts alike. Its rarity, along with its mesmerizing play of colors, makes alexandrite a highly prized gemstone in the world of jewelry.
