Alexandrite

Item Description

Alexandrite is the varietal name given to Chrysoberyl that changes color depending upon the temperature of the lighting under which it is viewed. The very first Alexandrite crystals and gems were found Russia and named after Tsar Alexander II. These old Russian stones (and even newer contemporary gems) are valuable collectors stones today. Alexandrite, regardless of where it's found is one of the most popular and valuable gems on the market. The term "Alexandrite-type" color change is often used when a stone changes from a warmer hue i.e., pink to a cooler hue i.e., green or blue when expose to different light sources i.e., indoor lighting and sunlight. This color change is extremely rare and is only exhibited in a few gems around the world. In the 1980s, there was a discovery of some fine quality gem Alexandrite from the Girdlestone Farm in Zimbabwe. This "Round Brilliant" cut stone came out of an old stash of gems from a recent collection acquisition and are some of the best Zimbabwean Alexandrite on the market in many years. The gem is slightly included, and exhibits a good color change as it shifts from a pastel blue-green hue in sunlight to a more of a soft lavender-silvery color in indoor lighting. It was VERY difficult to illustrate the color change, and it honestly shows a different hue in various temperature light sources. Top Alexandrite gems from contemporary localities can retail for a few thousand dollars per carat on the high end market, so a stone of this size and clarity is certainly a very worthwhile pickup for the starting bid.