Alexandrite Gemstone Informations

 

Alexandrite Gemstone Details

History and Origin

Alexandrite is a rare and highly valued gemstone that was discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s. It is named after Tsar Alexander II, who was the ruler of Russia at the time. The gemstone was originally found in the emerald mines of the Ural Mountains and was initially thought to be an emerald due to its green color. However, it was later discovered that it was a new type of gemstone with a unique ability to change color.

Physical Properties

• Color: Green in daylight, Red or purplish-red in incandescent light
• Hardness: 8.5 on the Mohs scale
• Specific Gravity: 3.5 - 3.8
• Luster: Vitreous
• Transparency: Transparent to translucent

Optical Properties

• Refractive Index: 1.746 – 1.755
• Birefringence: 0.008
• Dispersion: 0.015

Elementary Chemical Analysis

Alexandrite is a variety of chrysoberyl, which is a mineral that contains aluminum and beryllium. The gemstone's color-changing ability is due to the presence of chromium in its crystal structure.

Most High Price Selling Record

The most expensive alexandrite ever sold was a 65.19-carat alexandrite that was sold for $4 million in 2000. The gemstone was originally discovered in Sri Lanka and was later cut and polished in Germany.

Uses

Alexandrite is primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry. It is a popular choice for engagement rings and other special occasion jewelry due to its rarity and unique color-changing ability. It is also used in some industrial applications, such as lasers and electronic components.

Further reading

Chrysoberyl Gemstone information's