June is a month of duality, symbolized by the presence of not one but three birthstones: pearl, moonstone, and alexandrite. Among these, alexandrite stands out as the most captivating and historically significant. Known for its extraordinary ability to change color under different lighting conditions, alexandrite is a gemstone that has fascinated collectors, jewelers, and gem enthusiasts for centuries. Its journey from the remote Urals of Russia to the bustling markets of Brazil and beyond is as compelling as the gemstone itself. This article explores the rich history, geological formation, and gemological properties of alexandrite, alongside its cultural significance and care guidelines, offering a comprehensive guide for those considering a June alexandrite birthstone ring.
History and Lore
The story of alexandrite is one of serendipity and royal favor. Discovered in the 19th century in the Ural Mountains of Russia, alexandrite was named in honor of Czar Alexander II, whose birthday coincided with the day of its discovery. The gemstone quickly became a symbol of national pride and a favorite among the Russian aristocracy. Early alexandrites exhibited a dramatic color shift from green in daylight to red under incandescent light, a phenomenon that was said to resemble the colors of the Czar’s uniform—green for the forest and red for the blood of sacrifice. This unique property earned it the poetic description of “an emerald by day and a ruby by night.”
Alexandrite’s rise to prominence was not without challenges. The original deposits in the Urals eventually became depleted, threatening the gemstone’s availability. However, the discovery of new sources in Brazil in the 20th century revitalized the market. Brazilian alexandrites, though slightly different in coloration—often shifting from teal to deep purple—were still highly prized for their beauty and rarity. This expansion of sources also led to the gemstone’s official recognition as a June birthstone in 1952, nearly a century after its initial discovery.
The cultural significance of alexandrite extends beyond its physical attributes. In many cultures, it is believed to symbolize change and transformation, making it an ideal birthstone for those born in June. Some also associate it with intuition, creativity, and emotional balance. These metaphysical properties, though not scientifically proven, have contributed to its enduring appeal and its place in both historical and modern jewelry traditions.
Geological Formation and Sources
Alexandrite is a variety of the mineral chrysoberyl, which is composed of beryllium aluminum oxide (BeAl₂O₄). The unique color-changing property of alexandrite is due to the presence of trace amounts of chromium, which replaces some of the aluminum in the crystal structure. This substitution causes the gemstone to absorb and reflect different wavelengths of light depending on the light source, resulting in its famous color shift.
The formation of alexandrite requires specific geological conditions. It typically forms in metamorphic rocks, particularly in areas where beryllium-rich pegmatites intersect with aluminum-rich schists or gneisses. These conditions are relatively rare, contributing to the gemstone’s scarcity. The original deposits in the Ural Mountains were found in association with emerald deposits, which further highlights the geological complexity of its formation.
Today, alexandrite is primarily sourced from Brazil, where large deposits were discovered in the 1980s. Other notable sources include Zimbabwe, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Burma. Each of these locations produces alexandrite with slightly different color characteristics, influenced by the local geology. For instance, Brazilian alexandrites tend to exhibit a more pronounced teal-to-purple color change, while Zambian alexandrites may show a more subtle shift. These variations make it possible for gemologists to often determine the origin of a stone based on its color properties.
Despite the expansion of sources, high-quality alexandrite remains rare and highly valued. Stones over 5 carats are particularly uncommon, and those with a strong and complete color change are considered the most desirable. This scarcity, combined with the gemstone’s unique properties, has made it one of the most expensive colored gemstones in the world.
Gemological Properties
Alexandrite is a remarkable gemstone not only for its color change but also for its physical and optical properties. On the Mohs scale of hardness, alexandrite ranks at 8.5, making it relatively durable and suitable for use in jewelry, including rings and pendants. It has excellent toughness and no cleavage, meaning it does not have planes of weakness where it is more likely to break. This makes it a practical choice for everyday wear, especially in rings that may be subject to more frequent impact.
The refractive index of alexandrite ranges from 1.74 to 1.78, which is relatively high, contributing to its brilliance and sparkle. Its specific gravity is around 3.71 to 3.73, which is slightly higher than that of emeralds and rubies, giving it a substantial feel when held.
One of the most fascinating aspects of alexandrite is its color change phenomenon. This effect is most pronounced in stones with a high chromium content and is best observed under natural daylight and incandescent light. In daylight, the gemstone appears green or bluish green due to the absorption of light in the red and yellow parts of the spectrum. Under incandescent light, which has a higher proportion of red wavelengths, the stone absorbs more of the green and blue light, causing it to appear red or purplish red.
In addition to color change, some alexandrites can exhibit chatoyancy, or the cat’s-eye effect, when they contain parallel inclusions that reflect light in a single direction. This effect is relatively rare and adds another layer of uniqueness to the gemstone. Cat’s-eye alexandrites are highly prized and often command premium prices in the market.
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
Beyond its physical properties, alexandrite is rich in symbolism and metaphysical significance. In many cultures, it is associated with transformation, adaptability, and emotional balance. These attributes make it a particularly fitting birthstone for those born in June, a month often associated with change and growth.
Ancient lore surrounding alexandrite is limited compared to other gemstones, but its discovery in Russia and its association with the Czar’s birthday imbued it with a sense of regal importance. Some sources suggest that alexandrite was believed to bring good fortune and protection to its wearer, particularly in times of transition. This belief has persisted into modern times, with many people attributing alexandrite with the power to enhance intuition and creativity.
In contemporary metaphysical practices, alexandrite is often used in crystal healing to support emotional stability and mental clarity. It is said to help individuals navigate periods of change by fostering a sense of calm and confidence. Some practitioners also use alexandrite to promote spiritual growth and to enhance the ability to foresee future possibilities.
While these metaphysical properties are not supported by scientific evidence, they contribute to the gemstone’s allure and cultural significance. The combination of its physical beauty and symbolic meaning makes alexandrite a deeply personal and meaningful choice for jewelry.
Care and Cleaning
Due to its relatively high hardness and toughness, alexandrite is a durable gemstone that can withstand regular wear. However, to maintain its brilliance and longevity, it is important to follow proper care and cleaning guidelines.
For routine cleaning, alexandrite can be gently cleaned with warm, soapy water. A soft cloth or a soft-bristled brush can be used to remove dirt and debris. Ultrasonic and steam cleaners are also generally safe for alexandrite, as they do not pose a risk of damaging the gemstone. However, it is important to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, as these can scratch the surface of the gemstone or damage any surrounding metal settings.
When storing alexandrite jewelry, it is best to keep it in a soft pouch or a separate compartment to prevent scratches from other gemstones or hard surfaces. Avoid exposing the gemstone to extreme temperatures or sudden temperature changes, as this can cause thermal shock and potentially damage the stone.
For rings, it is advisable to remove the jewelry during activities that may subject it to impact or abrasion, such as sports or heavy manual work. This helps to preserve the gemstone’s appearance and prevent any potential damage.
Conclusion
Alexandrite is a gemstone of rare beauty and historical significance, making it a cherished choice for those born in June. Its unique color-changing property, combined with its durability and symbolic meaning, sets it apart from other gemstones. From its origins in the Russian Urals to its modern-day sources in Brazil and beyond, alexandrite has captivated gemstone enthusiasts for centuries. Whether as a standalone piece or combined with other June birthstones like pearl and moonstone, an alexandrite birthstone ring is a testament to the enduring allure of this extraordinary gemstone.