Alexandrite, which is used in June birthstone jewelry, is one of the uncommonest of gems to be found on the earth. It is recognized as the June birthstone and is the precious stone used to celebrate the 45th and 55th wedding anniversaries. It is a member of group and made of a combination of titanium, aluminum, iron, chromium and the chrysoberyl mineral.
Alexandrite’s Color Changing Properties
This June birthstone is highly valued because of it’s capacity to radically switch colors. Compared to other stone such as diamonds and sapphires, alexandrite is a comparatively new gem to the market, having only been found roughly 150 years ago. The Alexandrite stone was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia around 1830 and was named after Czar Alexander II, the Emperor of Russian. This precious stone was given the name “magic gem” because of it’s mystical display of colors.
A Description of Alexandrite the June Birthstone
The color of this birthstone varies with the the wavelength of light and the chemical bonds that exist in the gem. In natural light alexandrite displays a moss like bluish green but when positioned under the light from a candle or lamp the color transforms to a warm raspberry shade. This change is referred to as the alexandrite effect. It’s caused by the chemical mixing of chrysoberyl, which is a rare oxide mineral, and chromium. the lovely color of Alexandrite come from chromium.
Alexandrite Gemstone Quality
It is important to consider the strength of the color change when valuing an alexandrite. The gem is thought to be rarer and more valuable if the color change is complete and deep. Another factor to consider is the cutting quality and clarity of the gem. Alexandrites found in Russia are believed to be of better color and quality, consequently making them more expensive. The majority of the alexandrites on in the shops are less than 1 carat as larger sizes are too expensive by nearly everyone.
Looking after Your Alexandrite Jewels
it’s necessary to keep alexandrites away from extreme heat exposure since this can have an effect on their ability to change color. When cleaning these gemstones warm, soapy water may be used or alcohol or any commercially available products. If steam and ultrasonic cleaning are required properly qualified jewelers ought to be used.
Sources of Alexandrite
The original source of alexandrite in Ural Mountains has long since run out, though the mines are still working and turn out a few carats each year. These days there are 2 major producers of alexandrite gems, Brazil and Sri Lanka (Ceylon). In the 1990’s Alexandrite gems were also found in countries such as Madagascar, India, Burma and Zimbabwe. Regrettably, none of these new sources has produced as vibrant and rich colors as the gems produced in Russia. Gems from these areas have their own uniqueness: for example the grey tones of gemstones from Ceylon and Brazil stones having yellow tones on the green color.
In Conclusion
Despite the relatively short history of this attractive gemstone it’s already been credited with a variety of magical and mystical properties. It’s an uncommon and beautiful gem and makes a marvelous June birthstone jewelry gift for a loved one with a June birthday.
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