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LOOK
Alexandrite is an enchanting gemstone with transformative properties that have captivated wearers for centuries.
Alexandrite is a color-shifting gem that assumes a bluish mossy green hue in daylight and radiates a reddish raspberry tone in lamplight. Shades of lighter green, yellow, brown to greenish black are also possible.
LORE
Discovered in the 1830’s in Czarist Russia, it was named after Alexander II. The czar’s lengthy 26-year reformist reign afforded him the nickname “Alexander the Liberator.”
The finest Alexandrite mine, nestled in the Ural Mountain region in Russia ceased operations after only a few decades of producing rough. Stones acquired from the Urals are still considered the finest in the trade and as a result any gems bearing Russian certificates of origin are highly prized.
TWhile some Alexandrite is found in Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe they do not possess color-shifting properties as intense as the Russian variety. For years it seemed that the enamoring gems of the Czars were destined for the history books.
However, in 1987 a new vein of Alexandrite was found in the Brazilian region of Hematita. Thanks to this remarkable find we are again able to indulge in these rare and cherished symbols of 19th century nobility.
CARE
Alexandrite rests at 8.5 on the Mohs Hardness scale, which makes it durable enough for regular wear. You can maintain your Alexandrite jewelry at home by cleaning with warm soapy water. As with any piece it’s important to bring it into Anglo on a semi-annual basis for inspection and professional cleaning.
We also encourage storing your Alexandrite in a separate box or pouch to avoid scratches and damage that can be cause by contact with other metals and gemstones.
TRADITION
BIRTHSTONE: June
ANNIVERSARY: 55th
ZODIAC: Leo
CHEMISTRY
MINERAL: Chrysoberyl
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION: BeAl2O4
REFRACTIVE INDEX: 1.746 to 1.755
SPECIFIC GRAVITY: 3.73
MOHS HARDNESS: 8.5
WHY WE LOVE THIS GEMSTONE
RARITY
The limited number of sources and high demand has made Alexandrite extremely desirable and valuable.
LIGHT
No gem better displays the profound effect of light than Alexandrite.
PHENOMENAL
In rare examples Alexandrite can have multiple gem phenomenons. These stones can exhibit asterism and color-shifting properties simultaneously.