About
Linked to the Gemini constellation, alexandrite, with a hardness of 8.5, embodies the duality of its zodiac counterpart; Alexandrite is literally an emerald and a ruby! According to the International Colored Gemstone Association, it was discovered in the emerald mines of the Ural Mountains. The Russian tsar, Alexander II, was so intrigued by the stone that it was named after him. A facet that drew the Tsar to this stone is its unique color, changing from a bluish-green in daylight to a purplish-red/raspberry in artificial, or incandescent light.
According to the Alexandrite Tsarstone Collector’s Guide, alexandrite comes from a “variety of chrysoberyl that can exhibit a color change due to the light source under which the stone is being observed.” Alexandrite catseye and color change garnet also have this ability. The color morphing powers of the stone, in tandem with its limited availability, make it one of the most coveted gems today. Fortunately we are still able to find it in countries such as Brazil, India and Tanzania.
Protection Properties
Since its discovery, many have imbued the stone with mystical and healing properties. It has even been dubbed the Russian prophetic stone. Perhaps, it is due to these prophetic capabilities that it is the preferred talisman for gamblers and risk-takers. Its royal lineage highlights its potential for financial prosperity too. Yet, wealth is not the only gain for the alexandrite wearer. It is said to fight ailments like stress and depression. Additionally, it can protect personal relationships, bring romance and heal any chagrin d’amour. Spiritually, the stone is said to open the crown chakra, which is befitting of its royal roots.
As the changing colors of autumn fall upon us, take a risk and use the enchantment of this stone to illuminate the other- braver, healthier and happier- you.
Left 1.29 carat Russian alexandrite from the Mary Murphy collection. Photos ©1988 Tino Hammid, Los Angeles. This 15-ct. cat’s eye stone, here shown in daylight (left) and incandescent light (right) is a classic example of this gem variety. (Photo: Wimon Manorotkul; Gem: Pala International)
Resources and Images: gemstone.org, alexandrite.net, stone-viewer.com, nataliavalenti.com.
