Alexandrite
Alexandrite is considered to be a mysterious and enigmatic gemstone, thanks to its spectacular show of color changes.
Read on and know all about this rare gemstone
Interesting Trivia about Alexandrite
• It gets its name from the Russian tsar Alexander II
• The credit for discovering this unique gemstone goes to Nils Gustaf Nordenski ld, a mineralogist from Finland.
• It is in the Ural Mountains that the largest alexandrite crystal was discovered.
• Brazil did have a large deposit of alexandrite in the late 1980s, but today very few gemstones from there have come to light.
• Presently, a major source of alexandrite is from deposits discovered in India, in the State of Andhra Pradesh.
• Alexandrite is considered to be a variety of the mineral chrysoberyl.
• It has a hardness of 8.5.
• It is considered to be the birthstone of those born in the month of June.
• It supposedly has the power to give the wearer a unique sixth sense to deal with a problem.
• It supposedly can increase your creative skills.
What is unique about Alexandrite•
The extraordinary characteristic of alexandrite is its colors. That's right not a single color, but colors. One minute you will be seeing a green hue, the next a light red, and then suddenly a purple tinge to the red.
This fascinating transformation in colors is a result what is contained in the inner core of alexandrite: iron + titanium + chromium. The combination of these transforms alexandrite from one color in daylight to another color by night (seems like the split personality of Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde!). In its natural form, alexandrite has a variety of shades in the color spectrum maybe a little brown or a slight blue-green combo during the day, and various shades of pink, purple or red when seen within the beams of artificial lighting.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) gives detailed charts with regard to the grading of colored gemstones. As per their chart, alexandrite is Type II. That is, it has minor inclusions.
When an alexandrite gemstone is referred to as having strength of 100% in terms of color-change, it means that there is a total color change in all the facets of the stone.
Buying Guide
• First and foremost, you obviously need to buy from a creditworthy jeweler / gemstone dealer.
• Don•t get conned into buying an alexandrite gemstone merely because it is large in size and has no marks on it. It could quite possibly be some other variety of gemstone that has been artificially made to resemble alexandrite.
• The alexandrite gemstone that you purchase must ideally have a certificate clearly stating that it is an authentic piece, the certificate being one from a reputed Gemological Lab. If in doubt, get it tested by a gemologist who is experienced in this field.
• You may come across an alexandrite gemstone that does not have a very dramatic change in color. For example, it may be a lovely green color during the day but does not acquire some extraordinary red color in incandescent light. So you feel the piece is not that valuable and does not justify the high price. Experts, however, state that you should not be disappointed and overlook such a piece. An alexandrite gemstone with medium tones can also be very valuable. You should consider the store•s lighting arrangement and what are the climatic conditions too. Consult an expert to know the important factors to consider while buying an alexandrite.
• Remember that any gemstone, even ones that are labeled the best, will have some kind of inclusion. This applies to alexandrite as well, although the inclusions will not be visible to you directly.
• Some dealers pass off sapphires and garnets as alexandrite, so beware!
• You must take extra care when buying through an online dealer. An alexandrite gemstone will look fantastic on your computer monitor, thanks to some likely trick photography using special software.
• You can buy an alexandrite most likely in an oval shape, although today expert cutters in the gem industry have introduced in the market other shapes as well. These include gemstones in the shape of pears and baguettes.
Alexandrite is Expensive!
Since alexandrite in its absolutely natural form is extremely rare, it is more expensive in terms of carat than even diamonds. An top red/green alexandrite gemstone of 0.5 to 1 carat with a 90% 100% color change has a starting retail price of $5000, as mentioned at the website of the International Gem Society [Reference: gemsociety.org].
A pair of gold ear studs set with alexandrite gemstones could cost about $1300, while a gold ring with an alexandrite at the centre could cost about $1500.
Just remember: While browsing online gemstone suppliers, you will find that most list their jewelry pieces with alexandrite settings as natural alexandrite. As mentioned earlier, you need to get a certificate of authenticity with your purchase. So check:
• Certification
• Clarity
• Color Change
• Reputation of the dealer / store you are buying from.
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