Alexandrite is a remarkably rare and captivating gemstone, celebrated as a June birthstone and associated with good fortune, balance, and transformative energy. Its most distinctive characteristic is its ability to change color depending on the light source – appearing green in daylight and red under incandescent light. This unique property, coupled with its relative scarcity, has made alexandrite a highly prized gem throughout history, particularly among royalty and collectors. This article will delve into the history, geological origins, gemological properties, symbolism, and care of this extraordinary stone, drawing solely from available sources.
History and Lore
Alexandrite’s story is intimately linked to Russian history. Discovered in 1839 within the emerald mines of the Ural Mountains, the gem was quickly named in honor of Prince Alexander of Russia, who would later become Czar Alexander II in 1855. The timing of its discovery, coinciding with the prince’s birthday, further cemented the connection. The stone’s colors – green and red – remarkably mirrored the national military colors of Imperial Russia, contributing to its immediate popularity within the country. Alexandrite flourished in jewelry during the latter half of the 19th century and the early 20th century, particularly in Victorian England, becoming a symbol of wealth and status.
While its discovery is relatively recent compared to many other gemstones, limiting the development of extensive myth and superstition, the stone was quickly embraced as a symbol of good luck within Russian culture. For a period, the Ural Mountain deposits were the primary source of alexandrite, but these were eventually depleted. Later discoveries in the late 1980s occurred in Brazil, Sri Lanka, and East Africa, though these sources often yield stones with less pronounced color change and clarity compared to the original Russian material. The emergence of lab-grown alexandrite has also begun to influence the market, though it lacks the natural color-changing properties of the earth-mined gem.
Geological Formation and Sources
Alexandrite belongs to the chrysoberyl family, a mineral composed of beryllium, aluminum, and oxygen (BeAl2O4). The distinctive color change in alexandrite is attributed to the presence of chromium within its crystal structure. Chrysoberyl typically crystallizes in pegmatites – very coarse-grained igneous rocks formed from slowly cooling magma rich in beryllium. Alluvial deposits, formed by the weathering of these pegmatites and the subsequent transport of gemstones by rivers and streams, are also significant sources.
Historically, Russia’s Ural Mountains were the most important source of alexandrite. However, with the exhaustion of these mines, Sri Lanka has become a primary source today. Additional deposits have been found in Brazil, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and Myanmar (Burma). The quality of alexandrite varies significantly between these locations, with the original Russian stones generally considered the most desirable due to their vivid color change and clarity.
Gemological Properties
Alexandrite possesses a unique combination of gemological properties that contribute to its value and appeal. It registers 8.5 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it a durable gemstone suitable for everyday wear, particularly in rings. It exhibits excellent toughness and lacks cleavage, meaning it is resistant to chipping or breaking when struck.
The chemical formula of alexandrite is BeAl2O4 + Cr, indicating the presence of chromium as a crucial coloring agent. Its refractive index ranges from 1.745 to 1.759, contributing to its brilliance. The density of alexandrite falls between 3.70 and 3.78. The gem is typically transparent, though some specimens can be opaque.
A key characteristic of alexandrite is its pleochroism, meaning it can display different colors when viewed from different angles. Generally, these colors are green, orange, and purple-red. However, the most celebrated feature is its ability to absorb light in a way that causes a dramatic color change. In daylight or fluorescent light, alexandrite typically appears green, sometimes with bluish or brownish tints. Under incandescent light, it transforms to a reddish-violet or violet hue. In rare instances, alexandrite can also exhibit chatoyancy, known as the cat’s-eye effect, when long, thin inclusions are aligned parallel to each other within the stone.
The following table summarizes key gemological properties:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | BeAl2O4 + Cr |
| Hardness (Mohs) | 8.5 |
| Refractive Index | 1.745 - 1.759 |
| Density | 3.70 - 3.78 |
| Diaphaneity | Transparent - Opaque |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Alexandrite is often associated with good fortune and luck. Its ability to change color is seen as a metaphor for transformation and balance, embodying the interplay between the physical and spiritual worlds. Astrologers recommend this gemstone for individuals born under the Cancer zodiac sign, while those with ascendants in Leo, Gemini, Taurus, and Virgo are also considered suitable wearers.
Beyond general good luck, alexandrite is believed to have restorative healing properties, particularly benefiting the pancreas and spleen. It is also thought to aid in detoxification and promote healthy blood circulation. As a guardian stone, alexandrite is said to bring joy, emotional balance, and spiritual strength, acting as a cleanser for the heart chakra and attracting positive energy.
In modern practices, alexandrite is used in Feng Shui and other spiritual traditions for its fortune-bringing qualities. It is often worn as jewelry to maintain a direct connection with the skin, enhancing its healing properties.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its hardness and toughness, alexandrite is a relatively durable gemstone. It is generally safe to clean with warm, soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners can also be used, though caution is advised. Moonstone, another June birthstone, requires more delicate care, as it is softer and prone to cracking with high heat, making ultrasonic and steam cleaners unsuitable.
To cleanse alexandrite and remove stagnant energy, it is recommended to rinse it with warm water or recharge it by placing it in sunlight or smudging it with incense.
Conclusion
Alexandrite stands as a truly exceptional gemstone, distinguished by its captivating color-changing ability, rich history, and enduring symbolism. From its origins in the Russian Ural Mountains to its modern-day sources in Sri Lanka, Brazil, and Africa, alexandrite continues to fascinate gemologists, jewelry enthusiasts, and those seeking a gemstone with both beauty and meaning. Its durability, combined with its unique optical properties, makes it a treasured possession for generations to come. The stone’s association with royalty, good fortune, and transformative energy ensures its place as a significant and highly sought-after gem within the world of colored stones.