Gem Chrysoberyl var. Alexandrite (Pough Coll.)

Item Description

Alexandrite is the rare green variety of chrysoberyl that exibits a color change in natural and artificial light from green to amethystine/purple/maroon colors ( the so-called Alexandrite effect). This rare lot deal features 10 gemmy and lustrous, seafoam-green alexandrite crystals from an uncommon locale in Tanzania. Seldom will you see a 10-piece lot of gemmy and lustrous alexandrite crystals offered at auction from any locality, I think. They can be cut and cabbed into stones, even if not gem clear, worth something. Some crystals here are rough, or tumbled, but most have at least a display angle. All of the crystals here exhibit the typical pleochroism characteristic of alexandrite - the color change of green to purple or red. Some crystals show less color as we angled lights to show surface features instead. This older, very fine rarity lot is from the Fred Pough Collection (former curator of the Smithsonian). 6 grams total weight.