Alexandrite is a natural gemstone that falls under the chrysoberyl mineral group. Alexandrite was discovered in Russia, and it’s named after Czar Alexander II, who ruled from 1855-1881. This gemstone occurs naturally when traces of chromium alter the coloration of its crystals over time due to natural radiation. This natural color change can happen when the stone is exposed to sunlight. Alexandrite has a rare, natural greenish-purple hue that’s caused by this natural radiation process.
This article must cover three main points:
1) What natural Alexandrite is.
This gem is a natural, untreated, colorless stone that has been cut into beautiful pieces of jewelry. The natural form of this gemstone is green in hue, and it changes to red when heated. This makes this stone unique because the color change can be seen without any assistance from outside sources. It’s an exciting phenomenon that not every type of natural stone can do.
2) How to spot natural Alexandrite
This stone is very rare, and it’s only found in the Ural Mountains of Russia. Two regions, known as Chintan and Gakkel, produce natural alexandrites. It takes thousands of years for it to form with sedimentary layers that contain chromium (which gives it its color).
This gem have unique color change properties because of the chromium found in them. This makes it one of the most sought-after natural gemstones for jewelry purposes. If you’re looking to buy natural alexandrite jewelry, then here’s how to spot it:
– It has an apple green color in the sunlight. It changes its color depending on lighting, so it is sometimes referred to as “alex”.
– Its color change properties should be present under natural light sources (like the sun) or by simply using incandescent lamps.
3) Prices for natural alexandrites
Alexandrite costs anywhere from $3000 per carat for lower quality gems and up into the millions for higher qualities or larger sizes with top clarity levels.
Natural alexandrite jewelry is expensive, but it’s worth the investment because of its rarity.
