Origins Of The Alexandrite
Deep in the depths of the Russian soil lays a magnificent gemstone that is green by day and red at night under the watchful eye of artificial incandescent light. It was first born in the 1830’s and has captured the hearts of Russian royalty and is currently displayed in numerous Museums because of its uniqueness and beauty. Named after Czar Alexander II, the June birthstone, Alexandrite, has impressed many with an elegance that only the Alexandrite can exude. This gem was mostly worn by Russian aristocrats although some were found in Victorian jewelry pieces as well. The largest cut Alexandrite weighed 66-carats and now takes pride of place at the Smithsonian Museum.
Color Of The Alexandrite
When this stone was first discovered it was thought to be an emerald but on closer inspection it was found to be harder than an emerald and that by nightfall it had also changed color, a definite giveaway that this was not an emerald. After a slump in Alexandrite sale due to the Urals being mined out, things changed in 1987 when gorgeous Alexandrite was found in Brazil. What made the Brazilian Alexandrite so special was the fact that it also had the magical color change effect that the original Alexandrite had. You will know that you have a quality Alexandrite if it displays a distinct green-blue hue in daylight and a purple-red hue under artificial light. To get your hands on a genuine, quality Alexandrite today may be quite a challenge since these gems are pretty scarce and ones displaying a cat eye effect are even more so.
Alexandrite Mines
Russia no longer mines these gems since the Urals were mined out, however deposits were later located in Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe with Brazil, India, Madagascar, Burma, Tanzania, the U.S. and Tasmania now mining these gems as well. Although none of the gems mined elsewhere have ever been as fantastic as the Russian one, Alexandrite mined in Brazil comes in a close.
Symbolism of Alexandrite
Russian people associate the Alexandrite with prosperity and luck while mystics believe that it has health benefits when experiencing problems of the nervous system, pancreas and spleen. These gems have also been known to bolster self esteem and are good for maintaining the balance between positive and negative energy.
Alexandrite As A Gift
Giving this June birthstone as a gift, might mean having to spend quite a bit of money to get one since the Alexandrite is dazzling, luxurious and magnificent any time of day or night. Should you be able to give this June Birthstone to the one you love, then you are truly giving a precious and magnificent gift. Since it is a stone for gem connoisseurs, experts and enthusiasts, not everyone born in the month of June will have the privileged of being able to wear the Alexandrite as their birthstone Take heart though, you might not be able to afford one as a birthday gift but you may consider it as a 55th wedding anniversary gift instead.