June Birthstone Jewelry - The Alexandrite
Alexandrite, which is used in June birthstone jewelry, is among the rarest of gems to be found on the earth. It’s recognized as the June birthstone and is the gem used to mark both the 45th and 55th wedding anniversaries. It belongs to the chrysoberyl family and is made from a blend of iron, chromium, titanium, aluminum and chrysoberyl mineral.
Alexandrite’s Color Changing Properties
This June birthstone is very much admired because of it’s ability to significantly change colors. In comparison with other gem for example diamonds and sapphires, alexandrite is a comparatively new precious stone on the market, having only been found close to 150 years ago. The Alexandrite precious stone was first discovered in the Russian Ural Mountains in the early 1800’s and was named after the Emperor of the Russian Empire, Czar Alexander II. This gemstone was dubbed with the name “magic gem” because of it’s mystical show of colors.
A Description of Alexandrite the June Birthstone
The color of this gemstone varies with the lighting wavelength and the chemical bonds in the gem. In sunlight alexandrite reveals a moss like bluish green but when placed under the light from a candle or lamp the color transforms to a beautiful raspberry hue. This transaction is referred to as the alexandrite effect. It’s a result of the chemical combination of of chromium with the rare mineral chrysoberyl. The trace element chromium gives Alexandrite it’s lovely colors.
Alexandrite Gem Quality
It’s essential to take into account the intensity of the color change when valuing an alexandrite. The gem is considered rare and more valuable if the color change is more complete and deep. One more aspect to consider is the clarity of the gem and it’s cutting quality. Alexandrites that are found in Russia are believed to be of better quality and color, thus making them more valuable. Most of the alexandrites on the market are less than one carat because bigger sizes are unaffordable by most people.
Caring for Your Alexandrite Jewelry
it is essential to keep alexandrites away from extreme heat since this can have an effect on their ability to change color. When cleaning these gems warm, soapy water can be used or alcohol or a specially made jewelry cleaning solution. If ultrasonic or steam cleaning are needed properly trained jewelers ought to be used.
Sources of Alexandrite
The original origin of alexandrite in Ural Mountains has long since been mined out, however the mines are still open and turn out a few carats every year. These days there are 2 main sources of alexandrite gemstones, Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) and Brazil. In the 1990’s Alexandrite gems were also found in countries such as Zimbabwe, India, Burma and Madagascar. Sadly, none of these new sources has managed to produce as intense and vivid colors as the gemstones produced in Russia. Stones from these sources have their own individuality: for example the grayish tones of stones from Ceylon and Brazil stones having yellow tones on the green color.
In Conclusion
Despite the comparatively short history of this lovely stone it has already been attributed with a range of magical and mystical properties. It is an uncommon and gorgeous gem and would make a fantastic June birthstone jewelry gift for a loved one who has a June birthday.
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Tags: alexandrite birthstone, birthstone jewelry, june birthstone, june birthstone jewelry