What Is an Alexandrite Stone?
Alexandrite is a rare gemstone with one very unique and spectacular quality: It can change color! Though it may not look like an expensive stone at first sight, many craftspeople respect its rarity and use it for fine jewelry.
History
Alexandrite was discovered fairly recently for a gemstone. In April 1834, it was found in Ural emerald mines alongside the Tokovaya River in Russia.
Etymology
Alexandrite was named after Alexander II, because it was discovered on the day this Russian czar came of age.
Identification
Because alexandrite has outstanding light absorption characteristics, it generally appears green in daylight and red-purple in artificial light.
Considerations
Natural alexandrite is extremely rare and expensive. Most alexandrite on the market is synthetic. If you can trace an alexandrite stone to Russia, it is extremely valuable.
Fun Fact
Alexandrite was a favorite of Russian master jewelers, Tiffany's master gemologist George Frederick Kunz (1856-1932), and jewelers of Victorian England.
Tags: What Alexandrite, What Alexandrite Stone