Alexandrite is a gemstone that was discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s. It was named after Alexander II, the then Tsar of Russia. Alexandrite is a variety of the mineral chrysoberyl and its most striking feature is its ability to change color depending on the light source.
Under incandescent light, it appears red or purple, but in sunlight, it looks green.
Alexandrite is a gemstone that was discovered in Russia in the early 1800s. It was named after Alexander II, the then-tsar of Russia. Alexandrite is known for its ability to change color, depending on the lighting conditions.
In natural light, it appears green or bluish-green; in incandescent light, it appears red or purplish-red.
Scientists believe that this color change is due to the presence of chromium in the stone’s composition. Chromium is a element that is sensitive to changes in light wavelengths and intensity, which explains why alexandrite’s color can appear different under different lighting conditions.
While many people find alexandrite’s color change to be fascinating, some see it as a negative quality because it can make the stone appear less brilliant than other gemstones. Nonetheless, alexandrite remains popular among jewelers and collectors due to its unique optical properties.
Does Alexandrite Always Change Color?
No, alexandrite does not always change color. Alexandrite is a variety of the mineral chrysoberyl that exhibits pleochroism, meaning it appears to be different colors when viewed from different angles. The most common colors seen in alexandrite are green and red, but it can also appear to be yellow, brown, or purple.
The color change is due to the way the light interacts with the crystal structure of the stone and is not permanent.
What is the True Color of Alexandrite?
Alexandrite is a variety of chrysoberyl that exhibits pleochroism. The mineral typically shows green, yellow, or brownish red colors. However, when viewed in different lighting conditions, it can also appear purple, blue, or orange.
Due to its strong color change ability, alexandrite is considered one of the most valuable gemstones on the market.
How Can I Tell If My Alexandrite is Real?
If you’re wondering whether your alexandrite is real, there are a few things you can look for. First, check for color change. Real alexandrite will change color in different lighting conditions, usually from green to red or vice versa.
If your stone doesn’t show any color change, it’s likely not real. Another way to tell if an alexandrite is real is by looking at the cut of the stone. Most fake alexandrites on the market are poorly cut, so if your stone has a good cut, it’s another indication that it’s probably real.
Finally, examine the stone under magnification. Real alexandrites should have inclusions that look like feathers or needles. If you don’t see any inclusions, or if the inclusions don’t look like this, chances are your stone is fake.
Does Alexandrite Lose Its Color?
No, alexandrite does not lose its color. This is a durable gemstone with a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale. It is resistant to scratches and abrasion, making it an excellent choice for everyday jewelry.
Alexandrite’s color change is caused by different light sources causing the stone to absorb different wavelengths of light, resulting in different colors being seen. For example, in sunlight, alexandrite appears greenish-blue, while in incandescent light it will appear red or purple. This property makes alexandrite very popular among collectors and those who appreciate fine gemstones.
Credit: www.gemrockauctions.com
Alexandrite Colour Change
Alexandrite is a variety of chrysoberyl that is notable for its colour change. The stone is green in natural light and red in artificial light. This makes it a popular choice for jewellery, as it can appear either way depending on the lighting conditions.
The colour change is due to the presence of chromium in the stone’s chemical composition. When exposed to different types of light, the chromium atoms absorb different wavelengths of light, which causes the stone to appear different colours.
Alexandrite is found in a few places around the world, including Brazil, Sri Lanka, and Russia.
It was first discovered in Russia’s Ural Mountains in 1830 and was named after Tsar Alexander II, who was the reigning monarch at the time.
Today, alexandrite is still highly prized by gem collectors and jewellers alike. It is often used in fine jewellery pieces such as engagement rings and pendants.
If you’re looking for a unique gemstone with a Colour Change effect, then alexandrite is definitely worth considering!
Conclusion
Alexandrite is a variety of the mineral chrysoberyl that exhibits a color change depending on the type of light it is exposed to. In daylight, Alexandrite appears greenish-blue, but in artificial light, it looks purple or red. This color-changing ability is caused by traces of iron in the stone’s chemical composition.
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