Alexandrite, which is used in June birthstone jewelry, is among the rarest of gemstones to be found on the earth. It is known as the June birthstone and is the gemstone used to commemorate both the 45th and 55th wedding anniversaries. It belongs to the chrysoberyl group and made of a combination of titanium, aluminum, iron, chromium and the chrysoberyl mineral.
Alexandrite’s Color Changing Properties
This June birthstone is greatly valued because of it’s capacity to radically change colors. Compared to other stone for example diamonds and sapphires, alexandrite is a fairly novel gem to the market, having only been found around 150 years ago. The Alexandrite gem was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia around 1830 and was named after Alexander II the Czar of Russia. This gem was given the name “magic gem” because of it’s gorgeous show 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 in the gem. In natural lighting (sunlight) alexandrite displays a a color that is blue green like moss but when placed under the light from a candle or lamp this color changes to a lovely raspberry hue. This transformation is referred to as the alexandrite effect. It’s a result of the chemical combination of of chromium with the rare mineral chrysoberyl. The trace element chromium gives Alexandrite it’s lovely colors.
The Quality of Alexandrite Gems
It is critical to consider the strength of the color change when evaluating an alexandrite. The gemstone is considered rare and more valuable if the color change is complete and intense. A further thing to consider is the cutting quality and clarity of the gem. Alexandrites that are found in Russia are supposed to be of better color and quality, therefore making them more costly. The majority of the alexandrites on in the shops are less than 1 carat because larger sizes are unaffordable by most people.
Looking after Your Alexandrite Jewelry
it is necessary to keep alexandrites away from excessive heat exposure as this can impinge on their ability to change color. When cleaning these gemstones warm water may be used as well as alcohol or a specially made jewelry cleaning solution. If ultrasonic and steam are needed suitably qualified jewelers ought to be used.
Sources of Alexandrite
The original source of alexandrite in the Ural Mountains of Russia has now virtually run out, however the mines are still working and turn out a small number of carats each year. These days there are two major sources of alexandrite gemstones, Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) and Brazil. In the 1990’s Alexandrite gemstones were also discovered in countries such as Madagascar, India, Burma and Zimbabwe. Sadly, none of these locations has managed to produce as intense colors as the gemstones produced in Russia. Gems from these sources have their own individuality: for example the grey tones of stones from Ceylon and yellow tones in gems from Brazil.
In Conclusion
In spite of the comparatively short history of this “magic gem” it has already been attributed with a mixture of mystical and magical properties. It’s an uncommon and lovely gemstone and makes a magnificent June birthstone jewelry gift for a cherished one who has a June birthday.
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