Gem Library

COLOR:
Alexandrite is a color change gem that will exhibit very different colors when exposed to either daylight or incandescent light. In daylight it can appear to be yellowish, brownish, grayish or bluish green and under incandescent light it can appear to be orange or brownish red to purple-red.

APPEARANCE:
Transparent to translucent, Alexandrite is usually included.

Phenomena:
Alexandrite exhibits the phenomena of color change between daylight and incandescent light and may also can exhibit the phenomena of Chatoyancy (a striking three dimensional effect typically seen in tiger eye quartz) however this is very rare.

SIZE RANGE:
Melle (0.01 carat) to 5 carats; stones above 1 carat are rare but faceted stones as large as 60 carats are known.

TYPICAL CUTTING STYLES:
Transparent: most cutting styles are available.
Translucent: cabochons and beads – cabochons will enhance the cat’s eye effect.

POSSIBLE ENHANCEMENTS & TREATMENTS:
Alexandrite has no known enhancements.

HARDNESS:
8½ on the Mohs scale.

BEST USE OF THE GEMSTONE:
Alexandrite can be used in all types of gemstone jewelry.

CARE & CLEANING:
It is best to never expose colored gemstones to cleaning solvents or chemicals of any kind.
Common cleaning methods include:
Ultrasonic: never
Steamer: never
Warm soapy water: safe
Reaction to Chemicals: can be damaged by acids.
Reaction to Heat: generally not heat sensitive.
Stability to Light: generally stable after prolonged exposure to sunlight or UV light.

INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THIS GEMSTONE:
Alexandrite is a variety of chrysoberyl (KRIS-oh-bare-ul), discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in 1830. This is a color change gem, primarily in red and green, the colors of Czarist Russia and named after Czar Alexander II on the occasion of his coming of age. Russia had remained the primary source of Alexandrite since its discovery and when the supply became exhausted interest in the gem declined. Alexandrite has been mined in other areas but none has matched the unique color change of the original material until a new deposit was discovered in Hematita in Minas Gerais, Brazil in 1987. This gem material has distinctive color change and good clarity and color making Hematita one of the most important deposits of Alexandrite. Gem material from Sri Lanka is also available and shows green in daylight and a brownish red under artificial light. The Tunduru area in Tanzania has also produced outstanding specimens since the mid 90’s.


DESIGNATION:
Alexandrite is the birthstone for June, Gemini (approximately May 21 – June 21). This gem is also for the 45^th wedding anniversary.

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