The Gemstone for June Birthstone Jewelry – Alexandrite
Alexandrite, which is used in June birthstone jewelry, is among the uncommonest of gems to be found on the earth. It is recognized as the June birthstone and is the precious stone used to mark both the 45th and 55th wedding anniversaries. It is a member of group and is made from a mix of chromium, aluminium, titanium, iron and chrysoberyl mineral.
Color Changing Properties of Alexandrite
This June birthstone is very much admired because of it’s capacity to drastically switch colors. Compared to other gem for example diamonds and sapphires, alexandrite is a relatively new gem to the market, having only been discovered close to 150 years ago. The Alexandrite gemstone was first discovered in the Russian Ural Mountains during the early part of the nineteenth century 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 display of colors.
Description of the June Birthstone Alexandrite
The color of this precious stone depends on the lighting wavelength and the chemical bonds that exist in the gem. In natural light alexandrite reveals a bluish green colors like moss but when positioned under incandescent light from a candle or lamp the color changes to a lovely raspberry tone. This transformation is referred to as the alexandrite effect. It’s a result of the chemical combination of of chromium with the rare mineral chrysoberyl. Alexandrite gets it’s colors from chromium.
Alexandrite Gem Quality
It is critical to take into account the intensity of the color change when evaluating an alexandrite. The gemstone is thought to be rare and of higher value if the color change is complete and deep. A further thing to bear in mind is the cutting quality of the gem and it’s clarity. Alexandrites that are found in Russia are alleged to be of better color and quality, thus making them more valuable. The majority of the alexandrites on the market are below 1 carat because larger sizes are too expensive by nearly everyone.
Looking after Your Alexandrite Jewelry
it is necessary to keep alexandrites away from excessive heat exposure because 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 and steam are required suitably skilled jewelers ought to be used.
Sources of Alexandrite
The initial source of alexandrite in the Ural Mountains of Russia has now virtually been mined out, however the mines are still open and turn out a small number of tiny stones every year. These days there are 2 main sources of alexandrite gems, Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) and Brazil. In the 1990’s Alexandrite gemstones were also found in countries such as India, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Myanmar (Burma) and Madagascar. Sadly, none of these locations has produced as intense colors as the gemstones produced in Russia. Gemstones from these sources have their own characteristics: for example the greyish hues of gemstones from Ceylon and Brazil stones having yellow tones on the green color.
Conclusion
Despite the comparatively short history of this attractive gemstone it’s already been attributed with a range of mystical and magical properties. It is a rare and beautiful gemstone and makes a fantastic June birthstone jewelry gift for a loved one who has a June birthday.