June, just like December and August, has three birthstones: Pearl, alexandrite and moonstone. Last year our June blog focused on pearls, so this year we wanted to share 10 random facts about the gemstone alexandrite.
1. Alexandrite is a rare and highly prized gemstone that was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the early 1800s.
2. Alexandrite is a variety of chrysoberyl, a mineral that also includes the gemstone cat's eye.
3. Alexandrite is unique because it changes color depending on the light source, appearing green in daylight and red or purplish-red in incandescent light.
4. The finest quality alexandrite is a vivid, intense green with a distinct color change.
5. Alexandrite is one of the rarest gemstones in the world, with only a few significant deposits found in Russia, Brazil, and Sri Lanka.
6. The largest cut alexandrite in the world weighs 66 carats and is owned by the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
7. Alexandrite is often associated with good fortune and prosperity, and is sometimes called the "emerald of the day and ruby of the night" due to its color-changing properties.
8. Alexandrite is often heat-treated to enhance its color and improve its clarity.
9. Alexandrite is a relatively hard gemstone, with a rating of 8.5 on the Mohs scale.
10. Alexandrite is a popular gemstone for engagement rings, as it symbolizes love, luck, and change.
1. Alexandrite is a rare and highly prized gemstone that was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the early 1800s.
2. Alexandrite is a variety of chrysoberyl, a mineral that also includes the gemstone cat's eye.
3. Alexandrite is unique because it changes color depending on the light source, appearing green in daylight and red or purplish-red in incandescent light.
4. The finest quality alexandrite is a vivid, intense green with a distinct color change.
5. Alexandrite is one of the rarest gemstones in the world, with only a few significant deposits found in Russia, Brazil, and Sri Lanka.
6. The largest cut alexandrite in the world weighs 66 carats and is owned by the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C.
7. Alexandrite is often associated with good fortune and prosperity, and is sometimes called the "emerald of the day and ruby of the night" due to its color-changing properties.
8. Alexandrite is often heat-treated to enhance its color and improve its clarity.
9. Alexandrite is a relatively hard gemstone, with a rating of 8.5 on the Mohs scale.
10. Alexandrite is a popular gemstone for engagement rings, as it symbolizes love, luck, and change.