One of the rarest and most coveted of

gemstones, Alexandrite is prized for its change

from shades of green in daylight to shades of red

in incandescent light. A variety of chrysoberyl,

alexandrite ideally changes from grass green to raspberry red.

Alexandrite is scarce and not a gem you will see often.

Alexandrite is one of the accepted birthstones for June,

and the accepted anniversary gemstone

for the fifty-fifth year of marriage.

Alexandrite was supposedly discovered in the

Ural region of Russia on the day in 1831 when

Alexander II, Russian heir-apparent, came of age.

Hence, the name "Alexandrite". Even today,

Russian stones are said to be the finest. The

most important were owned by the Russian royal

family. Antique jewelry pieces are an

important source of very fine stones.

Perhaps because of its ability to change colors,

legend holds that Alexandrite brings good fortune

when the sun is shining and stimulates pleasure

and love at night.

Alexandrite is a very durable stone and stands up

well to normal wear. It may be immersed in

a jewelry cleaner or in lukewarm soapy water and

cleaned with a small bristle brush. As with all

gemstones, care should be taken to protect it

from scratches and sharp blows.

Alexandrites are primarily found in the U.S.S.R.,

Sri Lanka, Brazil, Africa and Burma.

Source - Jewelers of America