Alexandrite

Overview
This gemstone is a member of the chrysoberyl family. It is most often recognized in a pale blue/green color but can be found in many others. Alexandrite is very rare, and was originally named after Russian tsar Alexander II. Originally, alexandrite was thought to only be found in Russia, but a Brazilian deposit was discovered in the late 1980s and others soon followed. Alexandrite is believed to strengthen intuition.

About the Stone

Alexandrite sits at a 8.5 on the Moh's scale. It is a member of the chrysoberyl family of stone, some of the rarest stones on earth. Today, small deposits of alexandrite are found in Russia, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Burma, India, and Sri Lanka; although they are still quite rare, especially for high quality. Alexandrite is often listed as the birthstone for the month of June, but because of its rarity, pearls are also listed.

Alexandrite has an optical property called pleochroism which means that it appears to change color when viewed from different angles. This is most evident under artificial light.

Metaphysical Properties

Alexandrite is believed to strengthen intuition, self esteem, and happiness, increase creativity and imagination, and help balance your emotions. People have used alexandrite to treat the pancreas, lymph nodes, and the spleen. It is also considered a treatment for leukemia.

Alexandrite in Jewelry

Alexandrite is available only from reputable dealers, and it comes at a price. This stone is not for amateurs, and even pieces of lower quality the size of diamond points (.015cts) are expensive. If you are offered it at an exceptionally low price...it's probably not alexandrite.