An Alexandrite ring
The gemstone Alexandrite is, like cat's eye, a variety of chrysoberyl. It was originally discovered in Russia around 1830 and was named after Czar Alexander II. Alexandrite is extremely rare and natural Alexandrite is expensive. Synthetic Alexandrite has been produced but may not have the same properties as natural Alexandrite. It is June's birthstone and the symbolic gemstone for a couple's 45th wedding anniversary.
Physical Properties
Alexandrite is an oxide mineral formed by the small scale replacement of alumina by chromic oxides, a process also responsible for the gemstone's characteristic color change. It occurs in granitic pegmatites and mica schists. Its crystals have a high measure of hardness and specific gravity, an orthorhombic structure and are commonly twinned. When finished for jewelry settings, natural Alexandrite is always faceted. A well-set and well-cut Alexandrite gemstone has value on par with a diamond of similar size and quality.
Optical Properties
Alexandrite is transparent and is also known as the "chameleon stone" because of its characteristic color change. The gemstone is highly prized because of these properties. Natural Alexandrite will appear green in daylight and red-violet in incandescent light. This color change occurs because Alexandrite is doubly refractive and bi-axial. This combination gives the stone three different refractive indexes with markedly different absorption spectrums, causing the appearance of different colors.
Metaphysical Properties
Alexandrite is said to have healing properties for the pancreas, spleen and nervous system and to be useful in the treatment of leukemia. These metaphysical properties are believed to assist in the treatment of pancreatic disorders and swollen lymph nodes. Additionally, Alexandrite jewelry is said to balance the wearer's emotional state and perhaps to intensify feelings of love. It is also claimed that Alexandrite will increase the wearer's confidence, self-esteem, success and happiness.
Tags: Properties Alexandrite, color change, Alexandrite will, change occurs, characteristic color
