Alexandrites
Alexandrite has a unique-color change depending on the light reflecting into the stone. It is
from a variety of the mineral chrysoberyl. The alexandrite stone was discovered in the Ural Mountains
in Russia in 1830. Now, it can be found in Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Brazil, Madagascar, Italy and in some
pegmatites in the United States.
The stone is recognized by the color change. There is an old saying about alexandrites, it is "emeralds by
day and ruby by night." In daylight the tone looks green or a shade of green and in candlelight or incandescent
light it looks red or purplish. This gemstone is the most expensive color-change gem material on the market, prices
similar to fine emeralds and rubies. Some alexandrites may be priced more than diamonds depending on the rarity and
quality.
Alexandrites are 8.5 on the Mohs scale. This stone can safely be cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner. Alexandrite is one of the
birthstones for June.
PrincessJewelry.com has a wide selection of gemstone jewelry.
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