If you’re looking for an incredibly rare and valuable gemstone, look no further than alexandrite. This unique stone is one of the most prized in the world, thanks to its beautiful colour-change properties and rarity.
Unique Color Changing Properties
Alexandrite is a rare, colour-changing chrysoberyl. Chrysoberyl is a mineral that contains beryllium, and it’s this element that gives alexandrite its unique properties. The stone can change colour depending on the type of light it is exposed to. In natural sunlight, it appears green, but under artificial light, it turns red. This makes alexandrite one of the most coveted gemstones, as it is incredibly rare to find one that displays both green and red colours.
This colour-changing feature has also made alexandrite an ideal choice for jewellery designers who want to create rings, necklaces, and bracelets with a dramatic effect. Alexandrite engagement rings are particularly popular because the stone’s shifting colours make a beautiful and unique statement.
Limited Source Material
As with most rare and valuable gemstones, there are very limited sources around the world where you can find good quality alexandrite – but there are also many imitations. The largest source of natural alexandrite is in the Ural Mountains of Russia, but it can also be found in Sri Lanka, East Africa and Brazil.
So what makes alexandrite so valuable? The combination of its rarity, colour-changing properties and beauty make it one of the most sought-after gemstones on the planet. If you’re lucky enough to find one in good condition, be prepared to pay a high price!
Interesting History
There are many myths and legends surrounding alexandrite, including how it got its name. Nils Gustaf Nordenskiöld, a Finnish mineralogist, discovered the gem in the 1830s, and named it in honour of the young Tsarevich Alexander (later Tsar Alexander II) upon his coming-of-age.
Since its discovery, alexandrite has become one of the most highly sought-after gemstones in the world. Alexandrites have been used in jewellery by royalty and the wealthy for centuries and are still considered a very prestigious gemstone today.
Durable & Scratch-Resistant
One of the most appealing qualities of alexandrite is that it’s incredibly durable and scratch-resistant, making it an ideal stone for use in jewellery. The gemstone has a hardness of about eight on the Mohs scale, meaning it can withstand everyday wear and tear. As an investment, alexandrite is a wise choice because it’s unlikely to lose its value over time. With its unmatched durability, your alexandrite stone will look just as beautiful twenty years from now as it does today.
Affordable Options
If you’re looking to buy alexandrite jewellery, there are some affordable options available on the market today. The gemstone’s colour change property is most visible in stones that are over one carat, but smaller-sized gems also make for great gifts or personal additions to your jewellery collection.
Authentic alexandrite is extremely rare, but it can still be found if you know where to look. You’ll find an array of stunning alexandrite jewellery pieces from some of the world’s most talented designers, all at affordable prices.
Alexandrite Pleochroism
Alexandrite possesses a very strong pleochroism, a term used to describe the change in colour a gemstone displays when viewed from different angles. This means that alexandrite will often look completely different depending on how it’s being worn. When buying a piece of alexandrite jewellery, it’s important to pay attention to how the stone is set.