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What Is an Alexandrite Stone?

Alexandrite is a rare gemstone with one very unique and spectacular quality: It can change color! Though it may not look like an expensive stone at first sight, many craftspeople respect its rarity and use it for fine jewelry.

  1. History

    • Alexandrite was discovered fairly recently for a gemstone. In April 1834, it was found in Ural emerald mines alongside the Tokovaya River in Russia.

    Etymology

    • Alexandrite was named after Alexander II, because it was discovered on the day this Russian czar came of age.

    Identification

    • Because alexandrite has outstanding light absorption characteristics, it generally appears green in daylight and red-purple in artificial light.

    Considerations

    • Natural alexandrite is extremely rare and expensive. Most alexandrite on the market is synthetic. If you can trace an alexandrite stone to Russia, it is extremely valuable.

    Fun Fact

    • Alexandrite was a favorite of Russian master jewelers, Tiffany's master gemologist George Frederick Kunz (1856-1932), and jewelers of Victorian England.

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Rock Collecting

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