by samsara
Alexandrite is a beautiful gemstone, its ability to change color under different lights has skyrocketed this gem into the elite.
The price range for jewelry can start from a few tens of dollars (for the artificial one) to hundreds of thousands of dollars for prime genuine specimens.
If you are considering this gem for an engagement ring, you could not have chosen a better stone.
Alexandrite is a a variety of Chrysobery (BeAl2O4). The presence of chromium ions however makes this gem special as this is why, under different lights, it changes color from blue green to different shades of purple.
Alexandrite got named after Czar of Russia Alexander II (1818-81). It was first discovered in 1830s in Russia.
Today it isn't mined in Russia anymore, all of the Alexandrite on the market comes from Asia.
It is associated with some "magical" attributes, it is considered as a prophetic stone and is said to improve the intuition of the wearer. Be it true or false, we have to agree that this gem truly looks magical.
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| Tiffany Style Custom Made Ring Featuring a Genuine GEM 1 ... Only $15414.00 |
The price of natural Alexandrite can start as little as $200 for carat and can rise to more than $200.000 per carat.
It all depends on the clarity, size and it's ability to change color. The sharper the color change the higher the price.
Genuine gemstones can have small inclusions of different minerals in them that are usually not seen with the naked eye. They can be used in determining if the game is real or lab created.
This gem can be made artificially and it will closely resemble the genuine gem. This also means that you need to take extra care if you were to buy a genuine Alexandrite from a retailer that does not have a good resume.
If you just wish to have a color changing gem and are not to bothered about it being genuine or not you will be well of getting an artificially created one. The difference is very little and can't be seen with a naked eye. Color change will be the same or even better compared to some genuine examples. The price naturally being many times lover.
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| 10k White Gold Created Alexandrite an... | Cathedral Design 1.75 carats Alexandr... |
Although this gem has quite the hardness - 8-8.5 on Moh's scale (Quartz has 7, Topaz has 8 and Diamond's have 10 - to give you the feel) you should keep it safe from scratches, extremely high temperatures and hard blow.
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Comments
I just love the look of this gemstone. I have never really seen this before. Thanks for sharing this information with us.
WOW what beautiful jewelry, the alexandrite collection is stunning.