Short answer: Alexandrite gemstone
Alexandrite is a rare variety of chrysoberyl that exhibits a unique color change phenomenon, appearing green in daylight and red in incandescent light. Discovered in Russia’s Ural Mountains, it is now found in other parts of the world. Its scarcity and beauty make it highly prized by collectors and gem enthusiasts alike. Alexandrite is also the birthstone for June.
How Can You Recognize the Genuine Alexandrite Gem Stone?
Alexandrite is a rare and fascinating gemstone that is highly prized for its unique optical properties. Named after Czar Alexander II of Russia, the Alexandrite gemstone displays a remarkable color change phenomenon that sets it apart from all other gems.
But with so many imitation stones on the market, how can you recognize a genuine Alexandrite gemstone?
Firstly, observe the color change – this is the most significant characteristic of Alexandrite. With changes between cool green to warm red in incandescent light, it’s hard not to be captivated by this mesmerizing jewel. The shifts are usually noticeable within seconds or minutes when moving from natural daylight to another kind of lighting. The strength and occurrence of purple or blue tones often lead to suspicion.
Next up – look into the crystal itself! Is it transparent or opaque? Genuine Alexandrites have high clarity levels, allowing light to flow through them smoothly, creating vivid flashes of color. Low-quality imitations are usually made using materials such as glass, dyed chalcedony or synthetic corundum which lack the same brilliance as real alexandrites.
Check out the size and shape- authentic alexandrites tend towards round cuts rather than large stones in unusual forms like trillions or hearts which are relatively more common among fakes. A genuine stone will not be too small- anything under 0.5-carat weight could make you question its authenticity.
Another thing worth noting is that natural Alexandrites come mainly from mines sourced across eastern Brazil but can also be found in Tanzania; Sri Lanka; Russia (the original site); Myanmar (formerly Burma) and Madagascar among others around the world meaning certification papers indicating origin can play an essential role since each region may produce variations in hue intensity considering iron deposits affect colors somewhat differently.
Moreover, evaluating price patterns seems reasonable as well- while certain sources might claim to sell at lower rates for similar quality products versus competitors based on persuading their buyers with superior skills, it is always prudent to compare prices & ratings from several reputable sources to get the best deal possible.
Finally, ensure you purchase your alexandrite gemstones only from trusted and certified jewelers. A reputable seller would provide all necessary documents for authentication, such as certification papers on origin and quality guarantees.
In conclusion, identifying and selecting genuine Alexandrite stones requires an expert eye for detail- but with the right information at hand, anyone can recognize this rare and breathtaking gemstone. Its unmatched properties make it a prized possession worthy of careful consideration when searching for that perfect gift or addition to jewelry collections.
A Step by Step Guide to Buying an Alexandrite Gem Stone: Tips for Success
When it comes to buying an alexandrite gemstone, many people are often unsure of where to even begin. Alexandrites are such unique and beautiful stones that shopping for them can feel overwhelming at times. But fear not, dear reader! Here is a step-by-step guide to help you succeed in your search for the perfect alexandrite gemstone.
Step 1: Do Your Research
Before starting your hunt for an alexandrite gemstone, it’s important to know what you’re looking for. Alexandrites are rare and valuable stones that can be quite expensive, so you want to make sure you get the most bang for your buck. Research different types of alexandrite and become familiar with what makes each one special or unique. Some factors include quality (color change), carat weight, cut, clarity, and of course – price.
Step 2: Choose Your Retailer Wisely
Where you buy your alexandrite gemstone from matters just as much as what type of stone you purchase. You want a retailer who guarantees authenticity and provides detailed information about the product they sell. A trustworthy retailer will offer return policies and have a customer service line or chat option available in case any issues arise.
Step 3: Assess The Color Change
The hallmark feature of an alexandrite is its color-change property that reveals hues of red, green or blue depending on the light source it’s exposed to. Check whether there is a strong color change when there is a shift in lighting – this means the stone has excellent quality – which makes it rarer than others with poor returns.
Step 4: Look at Clarity & Cut
Clarity refers to how clear the insides of the stone are while cuts describe how well proportioned they were polished after mining – this affects how well light travels through them both internally and externally giving it an additional playful glow under ambient lighting.
Step 5: Set a Budget
Alexandrites can be very expensive so it’s important to set a budget beforehand so that you don’t go overboard. You should determine how much you are willing to spend and try as much as possible to stay within the limit.
Step 6: Be Open to Options
When looking for an alexandrite gemstone, it’s best not to have too narrow of a focus but rather an adaptable mindset – this makes the options available more feasible. The perfect size and shade of alexandrite may not always be at your fingertips, so don’t be quick to turn down other potentials just because they’re slightly different.
In summary, buying an alexandrite gemstone requires thorough research on the types available, choosing a reputable retailer who offers quality items, assessing color change effect from lighting changes in rock formation quality, taking note of clarity and cuts, setting a realistic budget and being open to variations. Following these steps will guide you through the process towards owning an excellent starting point in your gemstone collection journey!
Frequently Asked Questions About Alexandrite Gem Stones – Answered!
Alexandrite gemstones are a wonder of nature that never ceases to captivate the hearts of those who admire them. The beauty of this gemstone comes from its unique ability to change color, which is considered a fascinating natural phenomenon that occurs when the stone is exposed to various light sources.
Despite being admired and sought after by many gem enthusiasts, there are still some lingering questions that people have about alexandrite gemstones. Therefore, we’ve compiled some frequently asked questions along with their answers here.
Q: What is an Alexandrite Gemstone?
A: Alexandrite is a rare and valuable variety of chrysoberyl mineral. This lovely gemstone was discovered in Russia’s Ural Mountains during the 19th century.
What makes alexandrite so unique and desirable is its ability to change color under different lighting conditions. This happens due to the presence of chromium ions in the crystal lattice structure of the stone.
In natural daylight, alexandrite appears greenish-blue or teal-colored; while in artificial light such as candlelight it takes on a reddish-purple hue.
Q: How Rare Are Alexandrites?
A: Alexandrites are exceedingly rare; they’re one of the most coveted precious stones worldwide due to their rarity and exceptional optical properties. Only certain mining areas such as Russia, Tanzania, Brazil, Madagascar produce high-grade alexandrites today.
Many factors contribute to how rare an alexandrite can be – including its size, clarity, saturation color intensity also greatly affects its value on the market.
Q: What Is The Value Of An Alexandrite Gemstone?
A: As one of the world’s most expensive gemstones, it comes as no surprise that alexandrites command premium prices in the marketplaces where they’re sold. They can cost anywhere from $10k per carat for smaller lower-quality stones up towards hundreds-of-thousands or even millions for larger exceptionally fine specimens.
When evaluating alexandrites, the four C’s of diamonds apply to alexandrites as well: color, clarity, cut and carat weight. These factors determine the value of an Alexandrite gemstone.
Q: How Do I Care For My Alexandrite?
A: Despite being durable enough for everyday wear, Alexandrites can still be scratched or chipped if treated roughly or exposed to harsh chemicals. Therefore it’s important to take good care of your precious Alexandrite gems by storing away from other jewelry, avoiding direct sunlight contact, and cleaning with a soft cloth or warm mild soap solution.
Q: Is It Possible To Synthesize An Alexandrite Gemstone?
A: Yes! Since demand for this flashy jewel has grown alongside its reputation worldwide so too has the technology to make them synthetically. However, in terms of value and rarity they’re not considered as valuable as natural alexandrites.
In conclusion, when it comes to rare and extraordinary gemstones such as alexandrites, there is no question that they will always attract curious attention from those who appreciate their beauty. We hope that we’ve helped answer some of your questions here about this captivating wonder!
Top 5 Amazing Facts About Alexandrite Gem Stones That You Need to Know
Alexandrite gemstones are a wonder of nature, displaying an unbelievable range of colours and properties that make them truly unique. But what is it about this precious stone that sets it apart from other gems? Join us as we explore the top five amazing facts about Alexandrite gemstones that you need to know.
1. The Ultimate Chameleon
Alexandrite is known as the ultimate chameleon because of its incredible ability to change colour in different lighting conditions. In natural daylight or fluorescent light, alexandrite appears green to bluish-green. But when viewed under incandescent light or candlelight, the stone transforms into a reddish-purple hue. This effect is due to the presence of chromium in the crystal structure, which causes absorption and reflection of certain wavelengths of light.
2. A Rarity Among Rarities
Compared to other precious stones like diamonds and rubies, Alexandrite is exceptionally rare, making it one of the most sought-after stones by collectors worldwide. It was first discovered in 1834 in Russia’s Ural Mountains and was named after Tsar Alexander II since its colours represented those in the Russian flag at that time. Since then, new deposits have been found around the world – including Zimbabwe, Brazil and Sri Lanka – although they are still very scarce.
3. World-Class Durability
Alexandrite comes with a durability rating of eight on Mohs’ hardness scale, making it one tough gemstone! It’s less likely to chip or crack than some other popular stones like emeralds and sapphires – so you can wear your jewellery without worrying too much about damage.
4. The Power Of Serenity And Prosperity
There’s no denying that Alexandrites have been linked with prosperity and spirituality throughout history and folklore – particularly among Hindus who consider them sacred. The crystals were also reported to calm down restless minds while promoting peace & serenity within oneself- an effect of the Promethium element in the stone, which emits alpha radiation, can be channelled for creative and spiritual purposes.
5. A Piece Of History
The Alexandrite gemstone is not only rare but is also steeped in history. Only a few other stones have been associated with such high-profile events throughout history as this precious gem – including the birth of Queen Victoria’s first daughter, after whom it was named (Princess Alexandrina Victoria), or being the favourite stone of Tsarina Alexandra at her stay in Ekaterinburg; or even portraying one of Caesar’s hostages from Egypt when one of its deposits was discovered during his reign.
In conclusion, alexandrite is an astonishingly beautiful and unique gemstone that stands out for its incredible qualities as well as powerful cultural significance. The rarity, ability to change colour, world-class durability combined with factors like calming effects on mind and prosperity linked throughout folklore make it a prized possession among collectors worldwide!
The Fascinating History of the Alexandrite Gem Stone: Origins and Legends
Alexandrite is a unique and fascinating gemstone that has captured the attention of the world for over 200 years. What makes this gemstone stand out from others is its ability to change color depending on the light source it’s viewed under. It appears green in daylight and reddish-purple under incandescent light.
The origin of Alexandrite dates back to 1830, in the Ural Mountains of Russia near Ekaterinburg, where miners discovered an unusual type of emerald. To their surprise, this emerald exhibited a remarkable characteristic – it changed color depending on the time of day and intensity of the lighting. This mysterious stone was named after Tsar Alexander II, who came to power at that time.
The curious properties of Alexandrite can be attributed to its unique chemical composition: chrysoberyl with traces of chromium gives Alexandrite its distinctive red hue under artificial light while appearing green or blue-green in natural daylight. The rarity and distinctiveness also play a big part in how the value, price and popularity have evolved over time.
Alexandrite soon became one of the most sought-after gems among Russian royalty and aristocrats due to its exclusive history being mined only from Russia itself until fine specimens were found elsewhere later on (Brazil recently becoming one main producer as well).
Due to its royal connections, some wild stories have emerged about alexandrite over time too which add even more mystery around such a captivating jewel! According to legend, when Tsarina Alexandra – wife of Nicholas II – gave birth to her son Alexei “the healer,” an alexandrite ring given by her mother protected both her son and herself during childbirth. Talk about good luck!
Another tale tells that Napoleon Bonaparte presented his wife Empress Josephine with an Alexadntrite ring as a symbol of his admiration but once she looked upon it in low-lit room he was left upset by no color change. This is because it was not exceptional quality enough to fully display the stone’s beauty by the right amount of illumination! Perhaps one can say that he could have used modern day lightning fixtures or a good daylight window.
In conclusion, Alexandrite has captivated people for centuries due to its unique color-changing properties, striking appearance and its association with royalty and nobility. It’s fascinating how this gemstone has been able to transcend time and still inspire us in present day – Maybe of all things we learn from Alexandrite it’s undeniable that every true and valuable treasure as such holds an interesting history worth discovering!
Caring for Your Alexandrite Gem stone: Maintenance, Cleaning, and Preservation Tips
Alexandrite gemstones are among the most exquisite and rarest minerals on earth. Known for their color-changing properties, Alexandrites boast a remarkable ability to shift hue under different lighting conditions. If you’re lucky enough to own an Alexandrite gemstone, it’s essential that you understand how best to care for your precious treasure.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the maintenance, cleaning, and preservation tips that will help keep your Alexandrite gemstone looking its best.
Maintenance Tips:
The first step in caring for your Alexandrite is to know what not to do. Avoid exposing your gemstone to high heat or sudden temperature changes as they can cause cracking or damage. Store your Alexandrite jewelry in a cool dry place like a jewelry box lined with velvet or silk cloth.
Avoid exposing your stone to direct sunlight as it can lead to fading of the color. Additionally, avoid contact with household chemicals like bleach and ammonia that can damage the integrity of the surface of the stone.
Cleaning Tips:
Eventually, even with good maintenance practices, dust and dirt will accumulate on the surface of an Alexandrite gemstone. To clean effectively without damaging it requires gentle cleaning methods.
A simple mix of warm water and mild soap is all you need for cleaning Alexandrites stones. Soak your alexandrite jewelry piece into this solution overnight; then gently brush its surface using soft bristles (use brushes like toothbrush ones), rinse off in tap water afterwards using gloves. Finally dry off excess water with soft wool/cotton cloth before putting them away.
Preservation Tips:
Part of any jewel’s charm comes from its unique personality over time – our individual experiences imprinted on them through wear-and-tear- giving each piece its own story adding authenticity and value over time though at times there may be tarnishing too which calls for professional service for polishing purposes only once every few years . Nevertheless one should not purposely scratch or knock onto hard surfaces as this can cause stones to chip off.
Consider insuring your Alexandrite jewelry piece for added protection against unexpected loss, theft or damage. Get them periodically checked at professional jewelers too like once a year by a qualified lapidarist (gemstone specialist) as evaluations can help determine the clarity and quality of the stone and check if they require cleaning services.
In conclusion, caring for your Alexandrite gemstone involves taking good care of your precious investment through proper maintenance, cleaning, preserving recommended especially for heirloom pieces with historical significance ,high market value often passed down generations adding sentimental value over time making it an important family keepsake. With appropriate treatment it’s possible to enjoy their beauty for years to come!
Table with useful data:
| Type | Color | Chemical Composition | Mohs Scale Hardness | Specific Gravity | Birthstone Month |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chrysoberyl | Green, blue-green, yellow-green, yellow-brown, pink, purple | BeAl2O4 | 8.5 | 3.74-3.78 | June |
Information from an expert:
Alexandrite is a rare and precious gemstone that is highly valued for its unique color-changing properties. Under natural light, it appears green to bluish-green, but under artificial light, it can appear red to purplish-red. It was discovered in 1839 in Russia’s Ural Mountains and named after the future Tsar Alexander II. Alexandrite is a member of the chrysoberyl family and is formed when chromium replaces aluminum within the crystal structure. Due to its rarity, high-quality Alexandrite can be quite expensive but is considered to be one of the most beautiful and collectible gemstones in the world.
Historical fact:
Alexandrite, a rare gemstone that changes color from green to red under different lighting conditions, was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in 1830 and named after the young Tsar Alexander II.
