ALEXANDRITE:
Colour: Blue/Green changing to deep purple or red
Origin of Name: Named after Czar Alexander II
Date Discovered: 1830
Mohs Hardness: 8.5
Formula: BeAl2O4
Caution: Aluminium
Where Found: Russia, Sri Lanka, Ceylon, India, Brazil, Burma, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania
Chakras: Heart, Third Eye, Crown
Alexandrite was originally discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in 1830 and named after the boy Czar, Alexander ll. The old Russian Imperial Colours were red and green therefore Alexandrite was only mined for the royalty at that time.
Alexandrite is an extremely rare variety of Chrysoberyl which changes colour according to the light from greenish to deep purple or red. There are several gemstones which can change colour in certain lights but Alexandrite is the only one to always change. Because of the rarity of this stone, it is very expensive so many Alexandrites have been lab-grown. In colour-change gemstones, of which Alexandrite is the only one in nature in which 100% of the stones change colour; the Standard states the gem must show as bluish green or emerald green in daylight or fluorescent light and red or purple in incandescent or candlelight.
Synthetic Alexandrite:
True synthetic Alexandrite has been lab grown in Russia from Corundum for several years. These stones are being marketed in some quarters as Russian Alexandrite, Natural Alexandrite, and even Natural Russian Alexandrite. As early as 1907 or 1908 synthetic Alexandrites were created from synthetic colour-change sapphires coloured by vanadium. Since these stones have been in circulation for several generations it is entirely possible for families to think that an heirloom Alexandrite is a true natural, mined, Alexandrite.
Under penlight
Being a regenerative stone, Alexandrite aids the tissues of the body to renew following disease either internally or externally. It can also help with spiritual transformation and growth. This gem will help align the emotional and mental bodies and assist the nervous system, spleen and pancreas. It enhances the ability to enjoy life. The colour changing ability signifies spiritual transformation and is an excellent stone for beginners in the field of spiritual growth. Alexandrite is excellent for psychic protection. It can aid in regeneration, rebirth and has been used for treatment of leukaemia and cancer.
These are photos of my own beautiful Alexandrite. The colours are lighter in reality. I strongly suspect that it is synthetic but that doesn’t detract from its beauty. I never tire of watching the colour change.
Blessed Be!
