Alexandrite, which is used in June birthstone jewelry, is among the uncommonest of gems to surface on the earth. It’s known as the June birthstone and is the stone used to celebrate the 45th and 55th wedding anniversaries. It is a member of group and made of a combination of chromium, aluminium, titanium, iron and chrysoberyl mineral.

Color Changing Properties of Alexandrite

This June birthstone is highly admired because of it’s capacity to significantly change colors. In comparison with other gem such as sapphires and diamond, alexandrite is a relatively novel gem on the market, having only been  found close to 150 years ago. The Alexandrite precious stone was first discovered in the Russian Ural Mountains around 1830 and was named after Czar Alexander II, the Emperor of Russian. This stone was given the name “magic gem” because of it’s lovely display of colors.

A Description of Alexandrite the June Birthstone

The color of this birthstone depends on the lighting wavelength and the chemical bonds that exist in the gem. In sunlight alexandrite exhibits a bluish green colors like moss but when seen under lamp or candle light this color changes to a warm raspberry shade. This change is referred to as 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 crucial to take into account the intensity of the color change when evaluating an alexandrite. The gem is considered rare and more valuable if the color change is more complete and intense. One more thing to bear in mind is the cutting quality and clarity of the gem. Alexandrites found in Russia are said to be of better quality and color, thus making them more costly. The majority of the alexandrites on in the shops are less than 1 carat as bigger sizes are unaffordable by nearly everyone.

Looking after Your Alexandrite Jewels

it’s best to keep alexandrites away from excessive heat exposure because this can impinge on their color change effect. When cleaning these gemstones warm, soapy water can be used as well as alcohol or any commercially available products. If ultrasonic or steam cleaning are necessary suitably skilled jewelers ought to be used.

Sources of Alexandrite

The initial source of alexandrite in the Ural Mountains of Russia has now virtually been mined out, though the mines are still open and produce a small number of carats each year. These days there are two major producers of alexandrite gemstones, Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) and Brazil. In the 1990’s Alexandrite gems were also discovered in countries such as India, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Myanmar (Burma) and Madagascar. Unfortunately, none of these sources has produced as rich and vivid colors as the gems produced in Russia. Gemstones from these locations have their own characteristics: for example the greyish tones of gemstones from Ceylon and yellow tones in gems from Brazil.

Finally

Despite the relatively short history of this lovely stone it’s already been attributed with a variety of mystical and magical properties. It is an uncommon and lovely gemstone and would make a superb June birthstone jewelry gift for a loved one who has a June birthday.