Alexandrite: The Chameleon of Gemstones
ALEXANDRITE The CHAMELEON of GEMSTONES Alexandrite has the ability to change colors dramatically when viewed in different lighting conditions. In daylight, it may appear to be a blend of green/blue, but under candlelight, it can magically change to purple/red. Each of these rare stones is a unique multicolored masterpiece. ALEXANDRITE’S RUSSIAN HERITAGE First discovered by French geologist Nils Gustaf Nordenskiöld in Russia's Ural mountain range in 1834, the tiny alexandrite was initially mistaken for an emerald. According to folklore, the discovery coincided with the coming of age of the future Tsar Alexander Il of Russia. Since many specimens from the Ural Mountains featured a brilliant red and green multicolored appearance, the alexandrite was chosen to be the national gemstone of imperial Russia. The GEOLOGY of ALEXANDRITE 26 In scientific terms, alexandrite is a chrysoberyl containing iron and titanium. Fe 22 55.847 Ti Titanium 47.88 24 Unlike other stones in the chyrsoberyl family, however, alexandrite also contains chromium, which is what enables it to change Cr Chromium 51.996 colors, depending on the light. The first synthetic chrysoberyl alexandrites were produced in 1973, though treated corundum and amethyst have been sold as imitation alexandrite since the early 1900s. There are three methods for growing alexandrite in a laboratory environment: The flux method involves heating The floating zone is similar to the pulling method, but uses a The pulling method grows crystals on a vertical rotating rod. molecules until they dissolve and later attach to a growing crystal. This method produces inclusions are similar in appearance to horizontal rod. whic natural stones. Here are more geological facts about the multicolored alexandrite: Chemical Formula BeAl,O, Color Blue, Red, Green, Yellow, Pink, Purple, Gray, Multicolored Hardness 8.5 Crystal System Orthorhombic Refractive Index 1.744 - 1.755 SG 3.5 - 3.8 Transparency Transparent to nearly opaque Double Refraction 0.09 Luster Vitreous Cleavage 1,1;3,2. (Oftens exhibits parting along twinned crystals) Mineral Class Chrysoberyl FACTS ABOUT ALEXANDRITE June 1234 56789 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Alexandrite is June's birthstone, as an alternative to the pearl. It is also the official gemstone to celebrate a couple's 55th wedding anniversary. The few known examples of large alexandrites are almost exclusively found in antique Victorian and Russian jewelry collections. Because natural alexandrite stones are typically small and very rare, they are often featured as accent stones in a custom setting to complement another center stone such as a diamond. The scarcity and striking beauty of the alexandrite makes it a valuable gemstone. Natural alexandrites are typically priced in the same range as very high-quality rubies. Sources: http://www.minerals.net/gemstone/alexandrite_gemstone.aspx http://www.g drite-gemstone-information-and-education.php http://jewelryblogalaskajewelry.com http://www.alexandrite.net/chapters/chapter7/methods-of-produ- cing-synthetic-alexandrite.html Image Imperial Standard of the Emperor of Russia(1858-1917) By TRAJAN 117 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ w.gemselect.com/gem-info/alexandrite/alexan- ALASKA JEWELRY GOLDSMITH GALLERY STORES ENationalPositions Profitable Internet Marketing
Alexandrite: The Chameleon of Gemstones
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