What is alexandrite?
Alexandrite is a rare gemstone from the chrysoberyl family that changes color depending on the light, going from green to reddish-purple.
Why does this stone change color?
This fascinating optical phenomenon, often described as "emerald by day, ruby by night," is due to the gem's unique crystalline structure and the presence of trace amounts of chromium. In natural daylight, the color-changing stone typically appears blue-green, while under artificial incandescent light, it shifts to a purplish-red.
In addition to this aesthetic property, it has a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale. This high scratch resistance makes it an excellent choice for everyday jewelry, such as our engagement rings. It is also the birthstone associated with the month of June, often given to celebrate the 55th wedding anniversary.
What is the difference between natural and synthetic alexandrite?
Quality natural alexandrite is very rare because historical deposits in Russia are depleted. For a more accessible option, we often recommend lab-created gemstones.
- Identical composition: The synthetic version has the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as the stone extracted from the earth.
- Ethical and ecological reasons: It does not require mining, which aligns with our vision of ethical and eco-responsible jewelry.
- Purity: Lab-grown stones are generally free of visible inclusions often present in natural specimens.
Frequently asked questions about alexandrite
Although the official term "precious stone" has historically been reserved for diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and emeralds, natural alexandrite is often considered more valuable than these due to its extreme rarity and high market value.
Yes, with a hardness of 8.5, it is very resistant to scratches and everyday impacts, making it perfectly suitable for an engagement ring or a wedding band.
The stone was named in honor of Tsar Alexander II of Russia because the first deposits were discovered in the Ural Mountains in the 1830s, on his coming-of-age day.