Rough Hydrothermal Alexandrite from Russia - 14.1 CTW

Alexandrite

Alexandrite is a phenomenal variety of the mineral chrysoberyl. Because of the trace amounts of the chromophores vanadium and chromium, alexandrite appears different colors depending on whether it is viewed in natural or incandescent light. In daylight, the stone appears to be green; in artificial light it appears to be raspberry red. It was originally discovered in the Ural Mountains in 1830 on the birthday of Czar Alexander of Russia. Another extraordinary coincidence was that the national colors of Russia were red and green. Today, alexandrite is found in Russia, Brazil, India and to a lesser extent in Africa. Alexandrite has long been associated with great luck and prosperity.

Hydrothermal Alexandrite

Hydrothermal Alexandrites have the same chemical and physical properties as natural alexandrites. They are real alexandrites but not natural. Although the hydrothermal stones cost far less than their natural counterparts, they still rank among the most expensive synthetic gemstones available,

Colour Change

The color change gemstone phenomenon can occur under a variety of lighting types. When grading an alexandrite’s color change, gemologists consider the stone’s color in natural sunlight as the baseline. Thus, the classic alexandrite color change is green in sunlight and red in incandescent light. However, other types of lights can produce other colours.

Care

With a hardness of 8.5, alexandrite makes a very durable stone suitable for any jewelry setting. Nevertheless, take care when faceting the stone. Alexandrite is still sensitive to knocks and extreme heat.