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Alexandrite Information

Alexandrite - the rare color-change variety of the mineral CHRYSOBERYL

Links To Alexandrite Information Topics On This Page:
Alexandrite Items in our VIRTUAL GALLERY
Alexandrite Physical Properties
Alexandrite Background Info
Alexandrite Occurance and Diagnostic Features
Alexandrite History and Uses
Alexandrite Metaphysical Properties

ALEXANDRITE ITEMS IN OUR VIRTUAL GALLERY:
(Select any of these links to enter our Virtual Gallery)

• Alexandrite crystals and Alexandrite Mineral Specimens
• Alexandrite Gems (genuine alexandrite gemstones)
• Alexandrite Facet Rough
• Alexandrite Jewelry:
  (genuine alexandrite jewelry)
  • Alexandrite Rings
  • Alexandrite Pendants
  • Alexandrite Necklaces
  • Alexandrite Earrings
• Rare and Fine Alexandrite Items

ALEXANDRITE PHYSICAL PROPERTIES

• Alexandrite Chemical composition: BeAl₂O₄ (small scale replacement of alumina by chromic oxide causes alexandrite's characteristic colors)
• Class: oxides
• Crystal system: orthorombic; 2/m2/m2/m
• Crystal habit: prismatic crystals are elongated on c, and often tabular on {001}, with striations parallel to [100]
• Twinning: commonly twinned on {130} resulting in a triangular or kite shaped form, repeated cyclic twinning produces pseudohexagonal "trillings"
• Specific gravity: 3.68 - 3.75
• Index of refraction: 1.745 - 1.759
• Birefringence: weak (0.008-0.011)
• Pleochroism: strong, X= red-purple, Y= orange, Z= green
• Hardness: 8.5
• Color: green in daylight and red-violet in incandescent light.
• Luster: vitreous to greasy
• Transparency: transparent
• Cleavage: distinct on {011} perfect, indistinct on {010}, and poor on {100}
• Fracture: conchoidal, brittle
• Streak: white

ALEXANDRITE BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Chrysoberyl (BeAl₂O₄) is a rare oxide mineral. It most often occurs in shades of yellow to green to brown.

There are two very rare varieties of chrysoberyl; the color changing alexandrite, and the chatoyant cymophane (more commonly known as cat's eye chrysoberyl).
Alexandrite gemstones are highly prized as gems owing to their unique optical properties.

Index of Alexandrite information topics

ALEXANDRITE OCCURRENCE AND DIAGNOSTIC FEATURES

Alexandrite is a very rare mineral variety of chrysoberyl (BeAl₂O₄), which occurs in granitic pegmatites and in mica schists.

Small scale replacement in chrysoberyl of alumina by chromic oxide results in the formation of the variety alexandrite and is responsible for alexandrite's characteristic green to red-violet color change.

Alexandrite is characterized by its high hardness and specific gravity and its color change in daylight versus incandescent light. Some well formed crystals can be recognizied as chrysoberyl by their characteristic twinning.

Return to the Index of Alexandrite Information Topics

ALEXANDRITE HISTORICAL INFORMATION AND USES

Alexandrite was first discovered in 1831 in an emerald mining region of the Ural Mountains in the Soviet Union.

Alexandrite is said to have been first discovered on the day that the Russian czar Alexander II came of age. Thus it was named "alexandrite" in his honor by the mineralogist Nordenskjold. It is an interesting coincidence that the Russian national colors are green and red.

Alexandrite is used as a gemstone. Faceted alexandrite gems with good color change are considered very valuable, even when visible inclusions are present. Microscopic tube-like cavities with parallel orientation cause the chatoyancy in cats eye alexandrite gems.

The astrological sign of alexandrite is scorpio.

The traditional birthstone jewelry gift choice for the month of June is natural alexandrite jewelry designs including natural alexandrite earrings. Another June birthstone is moonstone.

Natural alexandrite is the symbolic gemstone for the 45^th wedding anniversary.

ALEXANDRITE METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Wearing natural alexandrite jewelry is said to help balance one's emotional state, to provide confidence, to increase self-esteem and to help bring about change.
The use of alexandrite jewelry in the form of alexandrite rings, a pair of alexandrite earrings, or wearing an alexandrite necklace is also said to bring happiness and success, and to intensify feelings of love and sensuality.

Alexandrite is said to be usefull to help treat pancreatic disorders, swollen lymph nodes and ailments of the spleen, as well as in the treatment of afflictions occurring with leukemia.

For more in-depth metaphysical information, see our Metaphysical Books section.

This is the end of our Alexandrite Factsheet and Information page.