June Birthstone Jewelry - The Alexandrite

Alexandrite, which is used in June birthstone jewelry, is among the scarcest of gems to surface on the earth. It's recognized as the June birthstone and is the stone used to commemorate both the 45th and 55th wedding anniversaries. It is a member of group and is made from a mixture of Aluminum, Iron, Titanium, Chromium and chrysoberyl mineral.

Alexandrite's Color Changing Properties

This June birthstone is greatly valued because of it's ability to radically change colors. In comparison with other stone such as diamonds and sapphires, alexandrite is a comparatively new gemstone to the market, having only been  found about 150 years ago. The Alexandrite gem was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the early 1800's and was named after Alexander II the Czar of Russia. This birthstone was dubbed with the name “magic gem” because of it's gorgeous display of colors.

A Description of Alexandrite the June Birthstone

The color of this gem relies on the wavelength of the illuminating light and the chemical bonds that exist in the gem. In natural lighting (sunlight) alexandrite displays a moss like bluish green but when positioned under the light from a candle or lamp this color transforms to a beautiful raspberry tone. This change is called the alexandrite effect. It's a result of the chemical combination of of chromium with the rare mineral chrysoberyl. Chromium is the trace element that gives the alexandrite it's colors.

Alexandrite Gem Quality

It's crucial to consider the strength of the color change when evaluating an alexandrite. The gem is thought to be rarer and more valuable if the color change is complete and intense. Another aspect to think about is the cutting quality and clarity of the gem. Alexandrites found in Russia are alleged to be of better color and quality, consequently making them more costly. Most of the alexandrites on sale are less than one carat because bigger sizes are unaffordable by most people.

Looking after Your Alexandrite Jewels

it's necessary to keep alexandrites away from extreme heat because this can impinge on their ability to change color. When cleaning these gems warm water may be used as well as alcohol or a commercial jewelry cleaning product. If ultrasonic and steam are necessary suitably qualified jewelers should be used.

Sources of Alexandrite

The original birthplace of alexandrite in Russia has long since run out, though the mines are still open and produce a few carats every year. Currently there are 2 major sources of alexandrite gemstones, Brazil and Sri Lanka (Ceylon). In the 1990’s Alexandrite gemstones were also found in countries such as Burma, India, Zimbabwe and Madagascar. Unfortunately, none of these locations has produced as vivid and intense colors as the gems from Russia. Gems from these locations have their own characteristics: for example the greyish tones of gemstones from Ceylon and Brazil stones having yellow tones on the green color.

Finally

In spite of the relatively short history of this attractive gemstone it has already been credited with a range of magical and mystical properties. It's an uncommon and lovely gemstone and would make a marvelous June birthstone jewelry gift for a cherished one with a June birthday.