Alexandrite, which is used in June birthstone jewelry, is among the uncommonest of gemstones to be found on the earth. It's known as the June birthstone and is the gemstone used to mark both the 45th and 55th wedding anniversaries. It belongs to the chrysoberyl family and is formed from a mix of titanium, aluminum, iron, chromium and the chrysoberyl mineral.
Alexandrite's Color Changing Properties
This June birthstone is very much admired because of it's capacity to radically switch colors. In comparison with other precious stone for example diamonds and sapphires, alexandrite is a comparatively new gem to the market, having only been discovered roughly 150 years ago. The Alexandrite gem was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia during the early part of the nineteenth century and was named after Czar Alexander II, the Emperor of Russian. This stone was dubbed with the name “magic gem” because of it's beautiful show of colors.
A Description of Alexandrite the June Birthstone
The color of this birthstone relies on the the wavelength of light and the chemical bonds in the gem. In natural light alexandrite displays a bluish green colors like moss but when placed under the light from a lamp or candle the color changes to a lovely raspberry shade. This change is called the alexandrite effect. It is a result of the chemical combination of of chromium with the rare mineral chrysoberyl. the lovely color of Alexandrite come from chromium.
Alexandrite Gem Quality
It is critical to take into account the intensity of the color change when evaluating an alexandrite. The precious stone is thought to be rare and of higher value if the color change is complete and intense. One more factor to bear in mind is the cutting quality of the gem and it's clarity. Alexandrites that are found in Russia are thought to be of superior quality and color, therefore making them more valuable. Nearly all the alexandrites on sale are below one carat as larger sizes are too expensive by most people.
Caring for Your Alexandrite Jewelry
it's necessary to keep alexandrites away from extreme heat as this can affect their color change effect. When cleaning these gemstones soapy warm water can be used as well as alcohol or any commercially available products. If ultrasonic and steam are required properly skilled jewelers ought to be used.
Sources of Alexandrite
The original source of alexandrite in the Ural Mountains of Russia has long since been mined out, though the mines are still working and turn out a small number of carats every year. Currently there are two major sources of alexandrite gemstones, Brazil and Sri Lanka (Ceylon). In the 1990’s Alexandrite gems were also discovered in countries such as Burma, India, Zimbabwe and Madagascar. Unfortunately, none of these new sources has managed to produce as vibrant and rich colors as the original gemstones produced in Russia. Gems from these areas have their own characteristics: such as the greyish hues of gemstones from Ceylon and Brazil stones having yellow tones on the green color.
Conclusion
In spite of the comparatively short history of this “magic gem” it's already been attributed with a variety of magical and mystical properties. It is a rare and gorgeous gemstone and makes a wonderful June birthstone jewelry gift for a loved one with a June birthday.
