Alexandrite gemstones are rare chrysoberyls that possess a color change phenomenon. These stones look like emeralds in sunlight and rubies in incandescent light, making them the most revered stones throughout the world. According to western astrology, these stones are said to be the birthstones for people born in June and are anniversary stones for celebrating 55 years of togetherness.
These invaluable gemstones are highly uncommon in the gemstone market, due to which only a number of individuals possess them. Their rarity and color change effects make them perfect choices for jewelry purposes. Alexandrites were found during the 19th century and are referred to as the Friday stones.
Alexandrites were found during the mining of Emeralds in the Ural Mountains of Russia in 1830 on Prince Alexander II's birthday, due to which the name Alexandrite came into existence. The most suited zodiac for these stones is Cancer though people from Leo, Virgo, Taurus and Gemini can also wear these stones.
Color change phenomenon
Alexandrite stone prices depend on two major factors, including resemblance with ruby and emerald colors and the intensity of color change ranging from 5% to 100%. These stones exhibit different effects in distinct lights, and the major color is the color shown in sunlight. They normally showcase green color in sunlight and red color in incandescent light, whereas other shades can also be exhibited when seen in different lights. The higher the resemblance with red and green colors, the more will be the price of the Alexandrite. Also, the intensity of color change also increases their worth as Alexandrites with 100% change varying from pure green to pure red are seen as the best quality. Other variations, on the other hand, are priced lower.
Clarity of Alexandrite gemstones
The classification of Alexandrite can also be done on the basis of their clarity. Similar to other gemstones, natural Alexandrites also contain flaws inside the crystal. Regardless, their color-changing effects often hold more significance in terms of determining their worth. For instance, when comparing two gems of similar size, the gemstone with higher clarity and lower color change will be priced lower than the one with higher color change and less clarity.
Sizes available for Alexandrites
Size is a significant contributor to the price of the Alexandrite stone, as most Alexandrites are found in sizes lower than 1 ct. Due to this, Alexandrites of more than 5 ct are uncommon and fetch higher prizes. The rarest well-cut Alexandrites ever found include 65.7 ct Alexandrite from Sri Lanka and 30 ct Alexandrite from Russia.
Origin places of Alexandrites
The oldest origin place for Alexandrites is Russia, where mines were closed some time ago, but they have opened again; however, the supply is minimal. Alexandrite mines in Brazil were founded in 1987, and afterward, the mining of these stones started in Burma, Ceylon, Madagascar and Zimbabwe. Despite the discovery of other mining locations, Russia is still considered to be the producer of the purest quality Alexandrites.
Cat’s eye effect in Alexandrite stones
Apart from their color change effects, they also possess chatoyancy similar to other chrysoberyls. These chrysoberyl species gemstones are quite popular for producing cat’s eye effects when cut in cabochon shapes. But it is not found in every Alexandrite as it is a rare property.
Prices of natural Alexandrite stones
Due to their color-changing phenomenon, Alexandrites are regarded as invaluable in the gemstone world. Their worth is dependent on various factors, including weight, the intensity of color change, mining location, clarity, cut and color. Normally these stones are priced in the range of INR 410000 to INR 1230000 per carat, whereas in some cases, due to better color change and more size, their worth isn't bound to any maximum range.
Benefits of Alexandrite gemstone
Alexandrites are said to have healing properties that help keep the wearers healthy both mentally and physically. These gemstones help in pacifying both the Sun and Saturn and are known to be used as protective charms for a very long time.
Navratan, the online gem bazaar
Buyers should stay aware of dealers trying to sell Alexandrites at lower prices as, in most cases, the stones they are offering are either synthetic or enhanced. Thus you should only buy Alexandrite from genuine sources like Navratan, which offers only natural Alexandrite stone with certificates from reputed institutions.