The Uses of Alexandrite

Alexandrite is created from a very rare mineral called Chrysoberyl. Alexandrite also includes properties such as Chromium. Chromium plays an important part giving the Alexandrite the ability to change between two colors depending on the light source. For instance, in direct sunlight, other elements inside the Chryoberyl mainly copper give the stone a hue of green. When you place the stone indoors and put it under one light source such as a candle, the color of the stone will change to red.

Alexandrite is one of the most precious and rarest of all the gemstones due to the Chrysoberyl. Legend states that Alexandrite was first discovered on the birthday of Alexander the II, the Czar of Russia in 1830 and that it is no accident that the colors of Alexandrite, green and red are Russia’s imperial colors.

Alexandrite is primarily used for jewelry and ornamental purposes. It is far to rare to be used for industrial purposes and due to its qualities and beauty is reserved for only the most high quality and well designed jewelry pieces. Due to its value, Alexandrite which was mostly mined from the Ural Mountains were depleted, however new mines have found large reserves, lessening the demand and ultimately the value of this precious stone.

Alexandrite is perfect for a ring, bracelet or charm. It is extremely interesting to look at and looks quite regal in either an outside light source or under an incandescent light. There are cheap imitations available that are similar in composition, but they do not express the warmth and beauty of true Alexandrite.

Alexandrite - The Origins and History

Alexandrite is created from the mineral Chryoberyl, which is extremely rare. Other properties that Alexandrite include are Chromium. Chromium plays an important part giving the Alexandrite two colors that change the stones color depending on the light source. For instance, in direct sunlight, other elements inside the Chryoberyl such as copper can make the stone look green. However take the stone inside and place it under one small light source such as a candle or light bulb and the stone will change color completely, appearing red.

The origin and history of Alexandrite is very unique. Alexandrite is the name of the most precious and rare mineral Chryoberyl. Alexandrite is steeped in folklore, it is said that Alexandrite was first discovered on the birthday of Alexander the II, the Czar of Russia in 1830.

It was found in the Ural Mountains of Russia and because of the original stone found displayed two important colors, that being the colors of red and green. These are the same Imperial colors of Russia at the time thus lending credence to the folklore.

Because of the popularity, beauty and importance of Alexandrite, the major reserves of Alexandrite have all but disappeared from the Russia area where they where most commonly found. However, in the last 20 years a huge reserve of Alexandrite has been found in Minas Gerias, Brazil and another large reserve was founded only 6 years after that by the border of Mozambique and Tanzania. If you are looking for a truly unique gemstone that has the ability to change colors depending on the light source, you should definitely look into Alexandrite.