Alexandrite is a chrysoberyl mineral
made up of aluminum oxide, beryllium, and trace amounts of chromium. It
forms in volcanoes as a result of lava flows.
This beautiful stone with a
distinctive property can be found in Russia, Brazil, Madagascar, or Burma. The best
alexandrite specimens change color depending on the light to which they
are exposed. When exposed to light, alexandrite appears green or blue. It turns violet
or even purple when exposed to artificial light. As a result, this stunning gem is said
to be emerald by day and ruby at night.
This stone also displays different
colors depending on the angle of the viewer. This phenomenon is called
pleochroism. This refers to the ability to absorb light wavelengths
differently depending on their angle.
Alexandrite has a hardness of
roughly 8.5 on the Mohs scale, which is used to determine mineral hardness. As a result,
it is a strong, long-lasting, and expensive stone. The finest alexandrites can be as
valuable as diamonds.
The most stunning alexandrites were
discovered in Russian deposits, which are now depleted.