Alexandrite
| Gemstone Properties | |||
| PRODUCT NAME: | Alexandrite | Chemical Composition: | BeAl2O4 |
| MOHS Hardness: | 8.5 | Specific Gravity: | 3.73 |
| Refractive Index: | 1.746-1.755 | Other Information: | Info here |
| Common Enhancements: | None | Special Care: | None |
Alexandrite looks green to blueish-green in sunlight and reddish in artificial light.
Alexandrite
Alexandrite is a variety of Chrysoberyl of which there are 3 varieties: Yellow-Green Chrysoberyl, Cats-Eye & Alexandrite.
Alexandrite differs from the others varieties of Chrysoberyl by having the element Chromium as an impurity, along with Iron & Titanium, which gives it the color changing ability.
This gemstone is named after the Russian tsar Alexander II with the first specimens being found in 1834 in the foothills of the Ural mountains.
Until 1987 when Alexandrite deposits were found in Brazil, Russia was the only source of this stone. Alexandrite has also been located in Tanzania, India, Burma, Madagascar & Zimbabwe although the most vivid colored stones still come from Russia.
Alexandrite is believed to inspire the imagination, aid creativity and strengthen intuition.
