Alexandrite

Hardness: 8.50

Refractive Index: 1.74-1.75

Specific Gravity: 3.71

 

Birthstone: June, August

Astral Stone: Gemini

Anniversary Stone: 45th & 55th

 

Origination: The former Russia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Brazil, Zimbabwe & Tanzania 

 

Care & Cleaning: If you are planning to size an alexandrite ring, remember that the extreme heat from a jewelers� torch could affect its� color change properties. Clean with soft polishing cloth or plain water rinse. 

 

Fiction, Facts & Folklore: 

 

Astrologers often connect alexandrite with the sun 

 

Alexandrite will show green to yellow-green in daylight, and red in artificial light. This color-change phenomena makes alexandrite one of the most costly and sought after gemstones of all. 

 

Although alexandrite was first found in Russia, Soviet deposits produce very little material today. Ironically, many people still use the term �Russian alexandrite� when describing this stone. 

 

Alexandrite was named for Alexander II, the Czar who ruled at the time of its discovery, in 1830. 

 

Gems that show a vibrant green usually originate in Sri Lanka Alexandrite gets its vivid color from the presence of chromium. 

 

The largest alexandrite in the United States resides in the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C. This impressive gem weighs nearly 66 carats. 

 

The country of Portugal lists the alexandrite as its international gemstone. 

 

The Isle of Sri Lanka lists the cat's-eye chrysoberyl, an even more rare color change variety, as its international gemstone. 

 

A dream of alexandrite was once thought to signify the approach of hard times.

 

Also see "chrysoberyl cat's-eye"