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ALEXANDRITE

Alexandrite is a variety of chrysoberyl, an aluminate of the mineral beryllium.  It is most famous for its dramatic color-change from emerald green in daylight to violet reds in incandescent light. The colors that Alexandrite occurs in depend on its geographical source that has transferred  tiny chemical impurities into the pure chrysoberyl.

Alexandrite was discovered in the Ural mountains of Russia in 1830 and named in honor of the Czar to be, Alexander II, whose birthday it was discovered on. The finest Russian alexandrite changes color from red in incandescent to green in fluorescent lights further tying this stone to Russia portraying the countries colors.

Some jewelry historians credit George F. Kunz, Tiffany’s influential gemologist of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, for popularizing the stone. He made several trips to Russia in search of fine stones. Although few alexandrites have been found in Russia in the last 100 years, the quality of the original Russian Alexandrite has set the standard for which all other alexandrite is judged.

The finest Russian material is neither the red of a ruby nor the green of an emerald but a distinctive raspberry red and teal green color is obvious.

Because of the rarity of old Russian material, you are more likely to see fine Brazilian material today. Brazilian alexandrite exhibits a color change from a lively bluish-green to a bright purplish red. Alexandrite is mined in Russia, Brazil, Burma, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, Tanzania and Rhodesia.  
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THE HISTORY

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There are a small number of talismanic stones which have gained their reputation in our time. Alexandrite is one. It is a variety of chrysoberyl that was found in Russia, associated with the emerald mines on the Takowaya, in the Ural region. The discovery of alexandrite is claimed to have been made in 1831, on the very day Alexander II (the heir-apparent) reached adulthood. It was named alexandrite, in his honor, by Nordenskjold, the mineralogist. Alexandrite in gem form rarely weighs over one to three carats. It is characterized by pleochroism of a fine green changing to a bright raspberry red.

In Ceylon larger gems have been found, occasionally weighing 60 carats each. This is rare. Usually the gems weigh one or two carats. The color of these alexandrites is darker green, and the change in incandescent is not as profound as the Russian stones. Red and green are the Russian national colors, making alexandrite a great favorite in Russia. It is looked upon as a stone of good omen and fortune in that country. Russian alexandrite has not been mined in decades. The majority of alexandrite available on the market today originated from Brazil, and occasionally India and Madagascar. Alexandrites from these localities exhibit an impressive color change from a bluish-green to a bright raspberry red.

Alexandrite is the birthstone for June and the Anniversary Gem for the 45th and 55th year of marriage. Because of alexandrite’s rarity, genuine stones are often substituted with a variety of synthetic sapphire that exhibits a slight color change from blue to purple.

Alexandrite represents the astrological Sign Scorpio.

CARING FOR ALEXANDRITE

Alexandrite are hard and durable stones that can withstand everyday wear. Be sure to avoid harsh chemicals when wearing this stone.  Alexandrite can be washed in warm soapy water and cleaned with a soft bristled brush, or it can be wiped down with a soft cloth. Be sure to store Alexandrite jewelry separate as to not scratch softer stones in your jewelry collection.

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© COPYRIGHT 2017-2023. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. .All Rights Reserved. All trademarked names, brands, models, logos, images, and graphics are the sole property of their respective trademark owners and copyright and credit to their respective owners. Timberbrook Capital, Velvet Box Society, this site, including its owners, operators, and developers, is not affiliated with nor endorsed by any watch or jewelry brand manufacturer brand or any subsidiaries thereof, in any way Timbrook Capital, Velvet Box Society is not an authorized retailer of any watch or brand name jewelry manufacturer.  By Browsing, purchasing, or referencing our site for any reason the user  agrees to release all claims to and against Timberbrook Capital, its affiliates, owners, and employees.
  • Shop
    • Latest Finds
    • Shop By Era
    • Engagement Rings
    • Stackable Bands
    • Cocktail Rings
    • Timepieces
    • Gentlemans Accessories >
      • Gentleman's Rings
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    • Earrings
    • Necklaces & Pendants >
      • Charms & Pendants
      • Chains
    • Diamonds & Gems
    • Signed Jewelry
    • From The Vault
    • Gift Ideas >
      • Wedding Day Gifts
      • Wedding Party Gifts
      • Push Presents Gifts
      • Anniversary Gifts
      • Graduation Gifts
      • Birthday Gifts
      • Religious Gift Ideas
      • Sweet Sixteen Gift Ideas
      • Quinceañera Gifts
    • Birthstone Jewelry
    • Final Sale Items
    • Gift Cards
  • Custom
    • Custom Engagement Rings
    • Custom Jewelry
    • Recreating an Heirloom
    • Family Crest Jewelry
    • Design Process
    • Schedule Consultation
    • For The Trade
    • More For The Trade
  • Sell To Us
    • What We Buy
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    • Expert Qualifications
  • Services
    • Appraisal Services >
      • Jewelry Insurance
      • SELL TO US
      • Appraisal Fee Schedule
      • Exchange
      • Gem Identification
      • Metal Analysis
      • Estate Appraisals
      • Authentication Services
      • Expert Witness & Court Related Matters
      • Museum Collection Services
    • Schedule Consultation
    • Custom Jewelry Design
    • Recreating an Heirloom
    • Jewelry Repair
    • Jewelry Restoration
    • Timepiece Repair
    • Diamond Cutting and Gemstone Repair
    • Find Jewelry For Me
    • Find a Watch For Me
    • Find a Diamond
    • Jewelry Rental
    • Insurance Replacement
    • Private Collection Management
    • Layaway Plan
    • Consignment
    • Wish List
    • Wholesale Inquiries >
      • Host a Trunk Show
  • The Brand
    • Our History
    • Our Experts
    • Our Values >
      • Corporate Responsibility
      • Sustainability
      • Military and First Responder Discounts
      • Kimberly Process
    • Jewelry School >
      • Makers Biographies
      • Educational Session
      • Eras of Style >
        • Ancient
        • Medieval & Renaissance
        • Baroque & Rococo
        • Georgian
        • Victorian
        • Edwardian
        • Art Nouveau
        • Arts & Crafts
        • Art Deco
        • Retro
        • Hollywood Glam
        • Mid-Century Modern
        • Brutalist
        • Art Organique
        • 1980's Jewelry
        • 1990's Jewelry
        • Contemporary
        • Simplistic
      • Diamonds & Gems >
        • Gemstone Education >
          • Gemstone Knowledge >
            • Approximate Gemstone weights
            • Carat to MM Conversion
            • Equivalents Chart
            • Gemstone Colors
            • Created, Synthetic & Simulated Gemstones
          • Gemstone Laboratories
          • All About Gemstones
        • Diamond Education >
          • Diamonds
          • Lab Grown Diamonds
          • Diamond Cutting and Gemstone Repair
          • Comparative Round Size Info
          • Diamond Carat Weight by MM
      • Counterfeit Jewelry & Watch Identification
      • Engagement Rings
      • Diamond Earrings
      • Timepieces >
        • Watch Anatomy
        • Vintage Rolex
        • Watch Terms
      • Sizing Help >
        • Ring Width
        • Ring Size
        • Wrist Size
        • Ankle Size
        • Earring Size Guide
        • Watch Size Guide
      • Styles, Finishes, & Fit >
        • Ring Designs & Fit
        • Men's Wedding Band Finishes
        • Band Width
      • Custom Jewelry
      • Metals
      • Engraving
      • Birthstones
      • Jewelry Care
      • Jewelry Terms
    • Press
    • Be Social
    • Gems by VBS The BLOG
    • Reviews
    • Advice >
      • The Courtship
      • The Engagement
      • The Wedding
      • After The Wedding
    • Events
    • Careers
    • Affiliate Program
    • The Archives: A Collection of Sold Items
  • Contact