The June birthstone is the mystical and mesmerizing Alexandrite. This rare gemstone displays an incredible color change from green to red depending on the light source. The vibrant hues and color shifting abilities of Alexandrite make it a highly coveted gem for June babies and gemstone collectors alike. In this article, we will explore what Alexandrite looks like, what gives it its distinctive properties, where it can be found, and the significance of this phenomenal stone.
What is Alexandrite?
Alexandrite is a rare variety of the mineral Chrysoberyl that contains traces of chromium. It was first discovered in Russia’s Ural Mountains in the 1830s and named after the Russian Tsar Alexander II. Alexandrite is the modern June birthstone, along with Pearl and Moonstone.
Some key facts about Alexandrite:
| Color | Green to red-purple |
| Mohs hardness | 8.5 |
| Refractive index | 1.745–1.755 |
| Specific gravity | 3.73–3.77 |
Alexandrite has a highly unique optical property called the Alexandrite effect. This is what gives the gemstone its remarkable color change. In daylight, Alexandrite appears green or bluish-green. However, under incandescent light, the stone turns a vivid raspberry red or purplish-red. This distinctive phenomenon is caused by the presence of chromium in the Chrysoberyl. The chromium acts as a trace impurity that allows Alexandrite to strongly absorb light in the yellow and blue portions of the spectrum.
What Causes the Alexandrite Effect?
The chameleon-like color change of Alexandrite is caused by the interaction between specific wavelengths of light and the trace chromium elements in the crystal structure. Here is a more in-depth look at what causes this phenomenon:
| Light Source | Color Appearance | Reason |
| Daylight/Fluorescent light (full spectrum) | Green/bluish-green | The full light spectrum allows us to see the blue and yellow hues that combine to look green. |
| Incandescent/Candle light (red-shifted) | Red/purplish-red | These light sources lack blue wavelengths. The gem strongly absorbs yellow and reflects red. |
When Alexandrite is viewed under daylight conditions, the full spectrum of visible light wavelengths can pass through the gem and be absorbed/reflected to produce the greenish color. But under incandescent light, the red end of the spectrum is emphasized while the blue end is missing. This enhances the red hues and suppresses the blue, causing Alexandrite to shift towards a dramatic raspberry red appearance.
The degree of color change can depend on the relative amounts of chromium present in the gemstone. Stones with higher chromium levels typically display a stronger color shift. The quality of the cut and clarity of the crystal also affect how vividly the Alexandrite effect is seen.
Alexandrite Color Range
Although famous for its color change, Alexandrite can display a wide variety of hues based on the stone’s composition and viewing conditions. Here are some of the possible color appearances of Alexandrite:
| Greens | Yellowish-green, bluish-green, emerald green, forest green, light green |
| Reds | Raspberry red, columbine red, ruby red, purplish-red, crimson |
| Other Colors | Brownish-green, grayish-green, orangy-red, violet, pink |
The most desirable and valuable Alexandrites show a strong color contrast, with intense greens in daylight and bright reds under incandescent light. Stones that only display subtle shades or color flashes tend to be less prized.
Natural vs. Synthetic Alexandrite
Due to the rarity and expense of natural Alexandrite, synthetic versions have been produced to provide more affordable alternatives. Here are some ways to tell natural and lab-created Alexandrite apart:
| Feature | Natural Alexandrite | Synthetic Alexandrite |
| Occurrence | Very rare, only found a few locations worldwide | Readily produced in labs and factories |
| Color Change | Vivid green to red/purple | Color change is weaker, more subdued |
| Inclusions | Distinctive “horsetail” inclusions visible under magnification | Fewer inclusions visible |
| Pricing | Extremely expensive, $5,000-$30,000 per carat | More affordable, $200-$2,000 per carat |
While synthetic Alexandrite has nearly identical chemical structure, the natural origin and rarity of real Alexandrite makes it far more valuable for collectors. Experts can identify natural stones through microscopic analysis of inclusions and careful colorimetry testing.
Where is Alexandrite Found?
In nature, Alexandrite forms under very specific conditions that make large mineral deposits exceptionally uncommon. Here are the prime sources of natural Alexandrite around the world:
| Russia | Discovered in the Ural Mountains in the 1830s. Alexandrite from Russia is famous for displaying vibrant green and red hues. |
| Brazil | First mined in Minas Gerais in the late 1980s. Stones tend to show bluish-green and purple colors. |
| Sri Lanka | Mined in Rakwana, with stones leaning towards yellowish-greens and orangey-reds. |
| India | Rare material occasionally found in Kerala and Orissa. Tends towards lighter tones. |
| Tanzania | Small deposits discovered in the 2000s. Color change is less pronounced. |
| United States | Trace finds in North Carolina emeralds mines. Very limited availability. |
Russia remains the premier source of Alexandrite, producing gems with the most vivid color change. Certain mining areas in Brazil also yield high quality material. Stones from Sri Lanka and India are more affordable but display weaker color shifts overall.
How is Alexandrite Graded?
Like all precious gemstones, Alexandrites are evaluated and graded based on the 4Cs: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Here are the key grading factors:
| Color | Body color hue, saturation, and tone in day/night light. Vivid greens and reds most valued. |
| Clarity | Evaluated for inclusions and flaws visible under 10x magnification. Loupe clean best. |
| Cut | Well-proportioned cuts show the best color change. Must be precisely faceted. |
| Carat | Weight impacts price. Rarer in sizes over 1 carat. |
The most important factor is the body color change. Stones must show both distinct green and red hues to display the prized alexandrite effect. A bright color shift from bluish-green to purple-red will receive the top color grade. Lower grades go to stones with weaker colors, greys, browns or limited change.
Since large crystals are scarce, carat weight also commands a premium. Alexandrite over 5 carats is exceptionally rare. Stones are carefully cut as ovals, cushions, or emerald cuts to maximize color properties.
Alexandrite Jewelry Settings
The unique color change abilities of Alexandrite lend well to creative jewelry settings that show off both the green and red hues. Here are some excellent ways to highlight Alexandrite in jewelry:
| Solitaire Ring | Simple four-prong or bezel setting allows light from all angles to fully showcase color change. |
| Halo Ring | Surround center stone with halos of small diamonds/gemstones for extra sparkle. |
| Three-Stone Ring | Pair with green emeralds and red rubies that complement Alexandrite’s shifts. |
| Pendant | Suspend in pendant to highlight from all sides. Add diamond accents on bail. |
| Earrings | Create dazzling stud or drop earrings with intricate metalwork around Alexandrite. |
Careful attention should be paid to prong settings to avoid chipping the gems. The best settings allow illumination from multiple angles to fully display Alexandrite’s dichroic properties.
Alexandrite Prices and Value
Due to its rarity, Alexandrite commands exceptionally high prices, especially for finer quality gems. Here is an overview of pricing factors:
| Carat Size | 1 carat and above exponentially more valuable. Over 5 carats exceedingly rare. |
| Clarity | Clear stones with few inclusions fetch highest premiums. |
| Color Change | Vibrant blue-green to red shifts warrant top dollar. Muted tones lower value. |
| Cut Quality | Precise faceting and measurements optimize color change. |
| Origin | Russian gems with strong color shifts are most prized. |
Top grade gems over one carat can easily fetch $5,000 to $30,000+ per carat. Even smaller 0.5 carat stones can run $2,000 to $5,000 if color and clarity are excellent. Quality is paramount for Alexandrite pricing.
June Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Alexandrite Jewelry
The vivid greens and reds of Alexandrite beautifully represent the colors of early summer. June is traditionally home to spring-summer transitions, Father’s Day, graduation season, and weddings. Alexandrite serves as a fitting birthstone gift for all these June occasions.
For June birthdays, alexandrite earrings, pendants, or rings make exceptional gifts. Milestone anniversaries for couples married in June are commemorated with 55th and 60th wedding anniversary gemstones. Alexandrite wedding and anniversary bands honor lasting unions. Graduates or Father’s Day celebrants born in June will appreciate personalized alexandrite jewelry.
Alexandrite’s rarity and price makes it well suited for jewelry to commemorate life’s special moments. The vibrant June hues in an alexandrite necklace, bracelet or earrings will spark fond memories for years to come.
Alexandrite Engagement Rings
Alexandrite’s jaw-dropping color change makes it a one-of-a-kind choice for engagement rings. An alexandrite center gem flanked by accent diamonds or gemstones creates a rainbow dazzle effect unlike any traditional diamond.
For couples where one partner is born in June, an alexandrite engagement ring holds special significance. The vibrant shifting colors reflect an exceptional, ever-changing relationship. Alexandrite’s durability also makes it suitable for daily wear in engagement ring settings.
Alexandrite engagement rings flaunt serious fire and intrigue. Gems set in east-west bands, halo designs, or three-stone settings make the most of the color play. Solitaires also spotlight the vivid color change under different lighting. An alexandrite engagement ring overloaded with accent stones will detract, so simpler is better. For added meaning, smaller synthetic alexandrites can be fashioned into the wedding bands as companion pieces.
Famous Alexandrites in History
The illustrious history of Alexandrite includes some of the world’s most famous gems. A sampling of exceptional named Alexandrites:
| The Crown Jewels of Russia | Collection includes an Alexandrite Cluster Brooch with a huge 105.60 carat central stone. |
| Rockefeller Alexandrite | This stunning 10.53 carat stone sold for over $3.5 million at Christie’s auction in 1988. |
| Midnight Sun Alexandrite | At 116.75 carats, it is one of the largest gem-quality Alexandrites ever found. |
| Smithsonian Alexandrite Necklace | This rare US-mined Alexandrite displays 7 stones totaling over 90 carats. |
These named gems represent some of the finest examples of Alexandrite ever unearthed or cut. Most reside in museum collections or elite private holdings due to their unfathomable worth. Even loose cut stones weighing just a few carats can demand six figure price tags for the finest Russian material. Owning an Alexandrite of any significant size is a feat reserved only for the ultra-wealthy.
Conclusion
In summary, the rare gemstone Alexandrite displays an incredible color-change phenomenon unlike any other jewel. The vibrant greens and reds visible in daylight versus incandescent light are caused by trace chromium impurities in the mineral Chrysoberyl. Natural Alexandrites are only found in a handful of locations worldwide, with Russian gems being the most valued and Brazilian also yielding fine quality. Alexandrite’s value is determined by the 4Cs, with color change being the prime consideration followed by weight, clarity, and cut factors. This remarkable color-shifting gemstone makes one-of-a-kind jewelry for June birthdays, anniversaries, and engagements. Alexandrite’s rarity and extreme value limit its ownership to elite collectors with the means to procure these phenomenal historical gems. For the rest of us, admiring their mystical beauty will have to suffice!
