A distinct gemstone compared to other specimens, alexandrite is famous for its dramatic color change. Large deposits of this gemstone were first discover in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s. It was named for the then current heir the throne, the young Alexander II. These first alexandrites were of outstanding quality and displayed an impressive color shift in vivid hues. The remarkable Ural Mountain deposits did not last forever, but these first examples are this the premium that all other alexandrites are compared to. Today this gemstone can be found in Sri Lanka, Africa and Brazil.
Alexandrite is a rare variety of the mineral chrysoberyl. The gemstone is a charming green hue in daylight and shifts to a purplish red in incandescent light. This chameleon like ability result from the way alexandrite crystals absorb light. This gemstone has famously been labeled as an “emerald by day, ruby by night”. Other gemstone are know to shift hues like alexandrite, but few are as extreme.
Alexandrite holds an average gemstone hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs Scale. It is not as durable as sapphire or diamonds, but alexandrite would fair well in most custom engagement ring settings or any other custom creation you desire. The dazzling alexandrite shown here would make a stunning one-of-a-kind right hand ring or colored gemstone engagement ring. This alexandrite options is currently featured on our online gemstone list, and is just waiting to be made into a custom created work of art!
Today, alexandrite is a rare gemstone, nearly never found in large carat sizes. Its scarcity does mean that natural gems will come with a cost higher than that of more common gemstones. Though natural examples are breathtaking, we also offer lab created options that display a similar color change effect. Any natural or lab created gemstone can be set into any one of Knox Jewelers’ custom creations.
Let us at Knox Jewelers help you design a custom created piece of jewelry holding the rare natural alexandrite featured here or any other available option on our gemstone list. Contact us today to get started!
