Birthstone Month June - Alexandrite

The June birthstone alexandrite looks green in natural light and under artificial light turns a blue/purple color. Avoid any stones which show shades of brown under artificial lighting. Most alexandrite will be sold as 75% color change. Beware of anyone reputing to sell 100% as this is more likely to be a fake. The value of the stone is determined by the intensity of the color change. The alexandrite may also be used to represent the 15th and 55th wedding anniversaries.

We hope the following suggestions will help...

Alexandrite Jewelry

Jewelry may be purchased as a gift. Earrings, bracelets, pendants and rings are all available. Ask the jeweler if you may look at the piece in natural light to.

June Birthstone Alexandrite Cuff Links

For the men you are able to purchase cuff links and tie pins. Again check the color of the jewelry in both artificial and natural lighting. Jewelry makes an ideal June birthstone Alexandrite present for men.

Books With Alexandrite In The Title

Have a look for books with Alexandrite in the title. 'Alexandrite: The Legend of a Siberian Stone' by Dimitri Svertchkoff may make interesting reading for anyone interested in the history and legends of their birthstone.

Alexandrite Information

Alexandrite is a form of chrysoberyl. A mineral consisting of ordinary colorless or yellow transparent chrysoberyl, cymophane (chrysoberyl cat's eye) and Alexandrite. Alexandrite is formed by the mixing of aluminum with chromium oxide. This gives the stone its characteristic property of changing from green to red under different lighting conditions.

Alexandrite from the Ural Mountains in Russia is green by daylight and red under artificial lighting. Other varieties of Alexandrite may be yellowish or pink in daylight and changes to a blue or purple/red. The rarest and most desired color would be an emerald green to a purplish red. These rare Alexandrite gems are some of the most expensive in the world.

The finest pieces of Alexandrites have been found in the Ural Mountains. The largest of these being around the 30 carat (6 g) size. Larger examples of Alexandrite have been found in Sri Lanka. In Indian, Brazil, Myanmar, and also Zimbabwe where smaller stones have been found, the color change is more intense.

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