June Birthstone Jewelry – The Alexandrite

Alexandrite, which is used in June birthstone jewelry, is among the rarest of gems to be found on the earth. It is known as the June birthstone and is the precious stone used to celebrate the 45th and 55th wedding anniversaries. It is a member of group and is formed from a mix of chromium, aluminium, titanium, iron and chrysoberyl mineral.

Alexandrite's Color Changing Properties

This June birthstone is highly admired because of it's ability to radically switch colors. Compared to other gemstone such as diamonds and sapphires, alexandrite is a comparatively new gem on the market, having only been found close to 150 years ago. The Alexandrite gemstone was first discovered in the Russian Ural Mountains around 1830 and was named after the Russian Czar, Alexander II. This gemstone was given the name “magic gem” because of it's mystical display of colors.

Description of the June Birthstone Alexandrite

The color of this gem depends on the the wavelength of light and the chemical bonds that exist in the gem. In natural light alexandrite displays a bluey green moss like color but when positioned under incandescent light from a candle or lamp the color transforms to a warm raspberry hue. This transformation is referred to as the alexandrite effect. It's a result of the chemical mixing of chrysoberyl, which is a rare oxide mineral, and chromium. the lovely color of Alexandrite come from chromium.

The Quality of Alexandrite Gems

It is important to consider the strength of the color change when valuing an alexandrite. The gem is considered rare and of higher value if the color change is more complete and intense. Another aspect to consider is the cutting quality of the gem and it's clarity. Alexandrites found in Russia are believed to be of superior quality and color, thus making them more expensive. The majority of the alexandrites on sale are less than one carat since bigger sizes are unaffordable by most people.

Caring for Your Alexandrite Jewelry

it's best to keep alexandrites away from excessive heat exposure as this can impinge on their color change effect. When cleaning these gemstones soapy warm water may be used as well as alcohol or a commercial jewelry cleaning product. If steam and ultrasonic cleaning are needed suitably experienced jewelers should be used.

Sources of Alexandrite

The original source of alexandrite in Ural Mountains has now virtually run out, however the mines are still working and produce a small number of carats each year. Currently there are two chief sources of alexandrite gemstones, Brazil and Sri Lanka (Ceylon). In the 1990’s Alexandrite gems were also discovered in countries such as Madagascar, India, Burma and Zimbabwe. Unfortunately, none of these locations has produced as rich and vivid colors as the original gemstones from Russia. Gemstones from these sources have their own characteristics: such as the greyish hues of Ceylon stones and yellow tones in gems from Brazil.

Conclusion

In spite of the comparatively short history of this attractive gemstone it's already been ascribed with a mixture of magical and mystical properties. It is a rare and gorgeous gemstone and makes a wonderful June birthstone jewelry gift for a loved one with a June birthday.