Alexandrite Gemstone Information. Information * Loose Alexandrite * 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. |
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Hardness = 8.5 (Moh's Scale) Specific Gravity = 3.73 Species - Chrysoberyl Optic Character – Double Refraction. Phenomena - Color change
Steamer: Usually safe. Heat: Stable. Chemicals that harm: None known. |
Crystal Structure Crystal system: Hexagonal (trigonal), compact. MAJOR SOURCES Brazil |
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 |
At this time we are not supporting sales of genuine alexandrite. We suggest you visit our Chatham® lab created alexandrite page. Chatham lab grown gems are far more stable and much less expensive. Common Cut Examples. |
Antique cut |
Emerald Cut |
Oval shape |
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. |
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Round cut |
Pear Shape |
Princess Cut Step cut not available. |