Alexandrite, which is used in June birthstone jewelry, is one of the rarest of gems to surface on the earth. It is recognized as the June birthstone and is the gem used to mark the 45th and 55th wedding anniversaries. It is a member of group and is made from a combination of titanium, aluminum, iron, chromium and the chrysoberyl mineral.
Color Changing Properties of Alexandrite
This June birthstone is highly admired because of it’s ability to radically switch colors. Compared to other gemstone for example diamonds and sapphires, alexandrite is a fairly novel precious stone to the market, having only been discovered around 150 years ago. The Alexandrite gem was first discovered in the Russian Ural Mountains around 1830 and was named after Czar Alexander II, the Emperor of Russian. This precious stone was dubbed with the name “magic gem” because of it’s lovely show of colors.
Description of the June Birthstone Alexandrite
The color of this precious stone relies on the lighting wavelength and the chemical bonds in the gem. In natural light alexandrite exhibits a bluey green moss like color but when seen under incandescent light from a candle or lamp the color transforms to a warm raspberry tone. This change is referred to as the alexandrite effect. It is a result of the chemical mixing of chrysoberyl, which is a rare oxide mineral, and chromium. Alexandrite gets it’s colors from chromium.
Alexandrite Gemstone Quality
It is crucial to take into account the intensity of the color change when valuing an alexandrite. The gem is considered rarer and more valuable if the color change is more complete and intense. Another thing to consider is the cutting quality and clarity of the gem. Alexandrites that are found in Russia are said to be of better color and quality, thus making them more expensive. Nearly all the alexandrites on in the shops are below one carat since larger sizes are too expensive by most people.
Looking after Your Alexandrite Jewelry
it is necessary to keep alexandrites away from extreme heat as this can have an effect on their color change effect. When cleaning these gemstones soapy water can be used or alcohol or a commercial jewelry cleaning product. If steam and ultrasonic cleaning are needed suitably experienced jewelers ought to be used.
Sources of Alexandrite
The original birthplace of alexandrite in Ural Mountains has long since been mined out, though the mines are still working and turn out a few carats each year. These days there are two chief producers of alexandrite gems, Brazil and Sri Lanka (Ceylon). In the 1990’s Alexandrite stones were also found in countries such as India, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Myanmar (Burma) and Madagascar. Regrettably, none of these new sources has produced as intense colors as the gems produced in Russia. Gems from these locations have their own uniqueness: for example the grey tones of stones from Sri Lanka and yellow tones in gems from Brazil.
Finally
In spite of the short history of this attractive gemstone it has already been credited with a mixture of magical and mystical properties. It’s a rare and beautiful gem and would make a magnificent June birthstone jewelry gift for a cherished one who has a June birthday.
