The Alexandrite Effect
By John Pearlman
Sometimes referred to as an emerald by day and a ruby by night this rare and phenomenal gemstone is particulary interesting because of the ability to morph into a different color given different lighting conditions.
Alexandarite was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in 1830 supposedly on the birthday of Czar Alexander, hence the name. It also exhibited the colors of the Russian Imperial Guard of the day, red and green. Today there are several more sources for this exciting gemstone. Having been mined extensively during the 19th century and just as it seemed these beautiful gemstones could be headed for extinction a new source was found on the island of Ceylon, now known as Sri Lanka. This helped to satisfy the appetite for the connoisseur even given the limited supply. In 1987 a new source appeared in Brazil. The gemstone is also mined in Siberia.
The ideal color for these rare gemstones is considered to be rich bluish green by daylight and strong purple red at night. It is like the best of both worlds. It allows the owner one piece of jewelry that can morph into a different look from day to night...In other words, it's like having a mood ring, but for adults.
Now that I have wetted the appetite for the possession of this great gemstone, let’s consider this. Alexandrite is a highly rare gemstone and with this rarity comes the fact that they are not for everyone given their price.
To possess one is to have acquired one of the most unique and valuable gemstones on the planet. That said this phenomenal member of the Chrysoberyl family is a very wearable gemstone as it’s hardness is an 8. Few gemstones, if any, would be in this realm with the exception of corundum , the sapphire and ruby family, with a hardness of 9 and of coarse diamond, the hardest gemstone on the planet.
We at Pearlmans can source for you that beautiful Alexandarite. All gemstones would come with laboratory certification from one of the top respected labs as to identification and degree of color change.
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