Hobbies And Interests
Geography
Alexandrite, a form of chrysoberyl, is a rare rock found mainly in Russia. Although since 1987 deposits have been discovered in Brazil and Sri Lanka as well as India, Burma, Madagascar, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.
Composition
The main difference between alexandrite and the other chrysoberyls, which contain titanium and iron, is the addition of chromium as an impurity. Vanadium is also found, although rarely.
Uses
Due to its rarity, alexandrite is used almost exclusively as a gemstone. Man-made alexandrite is often used in satellites and lasers.
Qualities
Alexandrite is unique in that it is a color-changing gem. Under normal daylight it will appear to be a green color. However when seen under artificial light it will appear red. It is a hard stone, rated at 8.5 (a diamond is rated 10).
Value
Due to the rarity of quality alexandrite, large stones are quite expensive--even more than emeralds, rubies or sapphires.
Fun Fact
Alexandrite is named after the Russian Tsar Alexander, and was at one time the national stone of that country.