Alexandrite, which is used in June birthstone jewelry, is one of the uncommonest of gemstones to surface on the earth. It’s recognized as the June birthstone and is the precious stone used to mark both the 45th and 55th wedding anniversaries. It is a member of family and made of a mixture of titanium, aluminum, iron, chromium and the chrysoberyl mineral.

Color Changing Properties of Alexandrite

This June birthstone is greatly valued because of it’s capacity to significantly change colors. Compared to other gem such as sapphires and diamond, alexandrite is a comparatively novel gem to the market, having only been  found around 150 years ago. The Alexandrite stone was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830’s and was named after the Russian Czar, Alexander II. This birthstone was dubbed with the name “magic gem” because of it’s beautiful display of colors.

Description of the June Birthstone Alexandrite

The color of this birthstone varies with the the wavelength of light and the chemical bonds that exist in the gem. In natural lighting (sunlight) alexandrite displays a bluey green moss like color but when placed under lamp or candle light the color transforms to a warm raspberry shade. This change is called the alexandrite effect. It is caused by the chemical blending of chrysoberyl, which is a rare oxide mineral, and chromium. The trace element chromium gives Alexandrite it’s lovely colors.

Alexandrite Gemstone Quality

It’s critical to take into account the strength of the color change when valuing an alexandrite. The precious stone is considered rare and more valuable if the color change is more complete and intense. One more aspect to think about is the clarity of the gem and it’s cutting quality. Alexandrites that are found in Russia are said to be of superior quality and color, thus making them more expensive. Most of the alexandrites on in the shops are below one carat as bigger sizes are unaffordable by most people.

Caring for Your Alexandrite Jewels

it is best to keep alexandrites away from extreme heat because this can affect their ability to change color. When cleaning these gemstones warm, soapy water may be used or alcohol or a commercial jewelry cleaning product. If ultrasonic or steam cleaning are needed properly trained jewelers ought to be used.

Sources of Alexandrite

The initial birthplace of alexandrite in Ural Mountains has long since been mined out, however the mines are still working and produce a few tiny stones every year. Currently there are 2 major producers of alexandrite gems, Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) and Brazil. In the 1990’s Alexandrite gemstones were also found in countries such as Zimbabwe, India, Burma and Madagascar. Unfortunately, none of these new sources has produced as intense colors as the gemstones produced in Russia. Gemstones from these locations have their own individuality: such as the grayish hues of stones from Ceylon and yellow tones in gems from Brazil.

Finally

Despite the comparatively short history of this lovely stone it has already been attributed with a variety of mystical and magical properties. It’s an uncommon and stunning gem and would make a marvelous June birthstone jewelry gift for a cherished one who has a June birthday.

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