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Alexandrite… a Mysterious Gem

One of the most fascinating gemstones known to man is alexandrite, a member of the chrysoberyl family.  This gem actually changes colors depending on the type of light source.  The most pure color change goes from rich green to vivid red with variations of blue-green to purplish-red.  The greenish tones are seen in daylight or flourescent lighting and the reddish tones are seen at night or under incandescent lighting.  Natural earth-made alexandrites are extremely rare, therefore finer specimens command high prices.  Many retailers can work for years and never come across a fine quality genuine stone.

Alexandrites rate an 8.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that only gemstones of that scale or higher can scratch them (such as diamond, sapphire and ruby).  This rating makes it ok for frequent wear and suitable for items such as rings as long as the wearer is responsible.  Any individual lucky enough to have an alexandrite knows the mysterious and unique beauty that this gem posseses, but for other curious admirers I recommend making the trip to the gemstone exibit at the Museum of Natural History in D.C.  There they have several examples of the finest and rarest alexandrites and special displays to showcase their color change known as “The Alexandrite Effect.”