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Chatham Alexandrite Gemstone Information
Information * Loose gemstones * Jewelry links
Alexandrite is the birthstone for the month of June and the gemstone for the 45th and the 55th wedding anniversary. It was discovered in Russia's Ural Mountains in 1830 on the birthday of Czar Alexander II, the day he became of ruling age, hence the stone was named after him-Alexandrite. This gemstone was looked upon as a good omen in Russia since the green and red colors represented Russian Military. Alexandrite is thought to assist one in centering the self, reinforcing self-esteem, and to broaden ones ability to experience joy.
View examples of cut alexandrite below and prices in our store section.
 


ENHANCEMENT CODE SYN
Click to view AGTA code.
PROPERTIES
Refractive Index 1.746-1.755

Hardness = 8.5 (Moh's Scale)

Specific Gravity = 3.73

Species - Chrysoberyl

Optic Character – Double Refraction.

Phenomena - Color change
WARNINGS FOR CARE
Ultrasonic: Usually safe

Steamer: Usually safe

Heat: Stable

Chemicals that harm: None.
 
Chatham Alexandrite crystal growth image

Alexandrite crystal growth.
Image Courtesy Chatham®.
Crystal Structure
Crystal system: Hexagonal (trigonal), compact.
 

 Birthstones
 January  Garnet
February Amethyst
March Aquamarine
April Diamond
May Emerald
June Pearl/Alexandrite
July Ruby
August Peridot
September Sapphire
October Opal/Tourmaline
November Topaz or Citrine
December Blue Topaz or Zircon
 
Marquise cut.
Image not available.		 Alexandrite octogon cut image.
Emerald cut		  Alexandrite oval shape image.
Oval shape.		 Alexandrite brilliant cut image.
Round cut.


Alexandrite is a rare color change gem.

When viewed under  incandescent light it looks purplish red.
When viewed in sunlight it looks greenish blue.

For this reason alexandrite adds another dimension to grading.
Along with cut and clarity alexandrite is graded by it's degree or ability to change color.

A very good quality alexandrite may be valued higher than a diamond.
A very good alternative to genuine alexandrite is Chatham Lab grown alexandrite.
 
Alexandrite pear shape cut image.
Pear shape.
 
Alexandrite baguette image.
Straight baguette.
Alexandrite Princess cut image.
Princess cut.
Step cut.
Princess cut shown.
Heart shape.
Trillion cut.
Images not available.

 

 


 

  
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Prices in US Dollars subject to change without notice.