Alexandrite is a precious gemstone that is treasured for its rare beauty and unique optical properties. But did you know that there is more to this stone than meets the eye? In this blog post, we will explore the top 10 best-kept secrets about alexandrite that you need to know. From its hidden powers to its mystical origins, read on to discover all there is to know about this fascinating gemstone.
Table of Contents
What is Alexandrite?
Alexandrite is a variety of the mineral chrysoberyl that exhibits a color change depending on the type of lighting it is exposed to. It was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s and gets its name from Alexander II, who was the Tsar at the time. Alexandrite is considered to be one of the rarest and most valuable gemstones in the world due to its rarity and unique color-changing ability.
In natural light, alexandrite appears greenish-blue, but in artificial light, it will appear red or purple. This effect is caused by traces of chromium in the stone’s chemical composition. Alexandrite is most often found in small sizes, so large specimens are extremely rare and valuable. The largest alexandrite ever found weighed in at 154 carats and is currently on display at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
Alexandrite is used in a variety of jewelry pieces including rings, earrings, pendants, and bracelets. It is also popular for use in engagement rings due to its unique colors and meaning.
The Different Types of Alexandrite
Alexandrite is a variety of the mineral chrysoberyl that exhibits a color change depending on the type of light source. The most valuable alexandrite stones are those with a high level of chromium, which give the gem its distinctive greenish-red color in natural light. However, when exposed to artificial light, such as incandescent lighting, these same stones will appear red or purplish-red.
The most common type of alexandrite is referred to as Russian alexandrite, which is found in the Ural Mountains of Russia. This variety typically has a lower chromium content and thus does not display as dramatic a color change as stones from other deposits. Other notable sources for alexandrite include Brazil, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania.
While most alexandrite’s on the market today are faceted gems, cabochon-cut stones are also available. In addition, synthetic varieties of alexandrite have been created in laboratories and are used in jewelry making as well.
The History of Alexandrite
Alexandrite is a gemstone that was first discovered in Russia’s Ural Mountains in the 1830s. It was named after Alexander II, the then tsar of Russia. Alexandrite is known for its ability to change color from green to red, depending on the lighting conditions.
This unique property made it a popular gemstone during the Victorian era. In fact, Queen Victoria herself was known to be fond of alexandrite jewelry. Alexandrite continued to be popular in Russia until the early 20th century when deposits were found in Brazil.
Since then, most of the world’s supply of alexandrite has come from Brazil. However, there are also small deposits of alexandrite in Sri Lanka, India, and Zimbabwe. Alexandrite is still considered a rare gemstone and can command high prices.
Pros and Cons of Alexandrite
If you’re considering getting an alexandrite ring, it’s important to learn about the pros and cons of this beautiful gemstone. Alexandrite is a type of chrysoberyl that changes color in different lighting conditions. In natural light, it typically appears green, but it can also look red, purple, or blue. Under artificial light (like indoor lighting), alexandrite usually looks red or purple.
One of the biggest advantages of alexandrite is its rarity. This makes it a very valuable gemstone, which means your alexandrite ring will likely be quite expensive. However, because it’s so rare, alexandrite is also very fragile. It’s susceptible to scratches and chips, so you’ll need to take special care of your ring.
Another advantage of alexandrite is its unique color-changing ability. This can be fun to show off to friends and family, and it also makes your ring more interesting and unique. However, some people may find the color change distracting or even confusing.
Overall, alexandrite is a beautiful and rare Buy Gemstones Online that can make an excellent choice for an engagement or other special occasion ring. Just be aware of its fragility and high cost before you buy!
