ALEXANDRITE - A variety of chrysoberyl
CHEMISTRY: (Variety of Chrysoberyl) BeAl2 O4 (BeAl2O4 + Fe, Ti)
CRYSTALLOGRAPHY: Orthorhombic
REFRACTIVE INDEX:1.746 - 1.755
HARDNESS: 8.5
SPECIFIC GRAVITY: 3.68 - 3.80
CLEAVAGE: Distinct to poor, 1 direction
HEAT SENSITIVE No
Alexandrite is named for the former czar of Russia, Alexander II, and was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia, supposedly on the day of his birth. The colors red and green were also the colors of the Russian Imperial Guard. It became almost immediately one of the most popular gems among Russia's aristocracy and the gem was largely mined-out in Russia by the mid-1900s. New deposits of the gem were found in Sri Lanka and Brazil. Alexandrite is a variety of chrysoberyl and examples of this gem that have a pure color change without any "bleeding through" are very rare, highly prized and highly priced. Because of its relative "youth", there is not all that much gem lore surrounding this very beautiful and exotic gem. In Russia the gem is considered to be one of good omen (which it apparently was not for the Russian imperial family).
Chromium gives alexandrite its color and while, in most minerals, a trace element like chromium would provide only one color to the mineral, in alexandrite it gives it two! Coloring agents are dependent on the wavelength of light and the chemical bonds in the crystal to determine the color that they will cause. An element like copper, in normal light, can cause a green color in malachite and a blue color in azurite, it all depends on the character of the chemical bonding. In a single specimen of alexandrite, the chromium is in such a balanced situation that the color of the specimen depends on the character of light that hits the crystal. If the light is natural sunlight or fluorescent light, the crystal will be green; however, if the light is incandescent light from a common indoor light bulb, then the crystal will appear red.
Synthetic corundum spiked with trace elements that yield an alexandrite-like color change are sold as alexandrite on the gemstone market. These stones have a red-violet, near-amethyst color in incandescent light and a blue-violet color in daylight. They are far cheaper than natural alexandrites, which are some of the rarest and most expensive of gemstones.
Metaphysical Properties:
- Aids internal and external regeneration. Has positive influence on central nervous system, spleen, pancreas and testicles.
- May be used to amplify color therapy.
- Helps to align mental and emotional body. Spiritual transformation and regeneration. Reflects highest potentials of opening oneself to joy, oneness with life. Low self-esteem and difficulty centering - imply need.
- Chakra: Crown.
