Alexandrite

Alexandrite is also known as color change stone. It is a variant of chrysoberyl, the

chemical formula is Be(AlO2)2, generally yellow, green, etc. The trace elements (such
as chromium and titanium) contained in it can cause special optical effects, so that
alexandrite has a stunning color change effect. Alexandrite first appeared in 1830 by
Finnish mineralogist Nils Gustaf Nordenskiöld on the eastern side of the Ural
Mountains in Russia. Since alexandrite was found in the emerald mines of the Ural
Mountains, it was initially mistaken for an emerald, and was later identified as a
chromium-containing chromium-rich variety due to the bright hue and striking color
variation of the specimen. At that time the gemstone was presented to the Crown
Prince (later Tsar Alexander II) as a birthday present, and was named alexandrite.

introduce
category oxide
mineral Chrysoberyl
chemical formula Be(AlO2)2
molecular weight 126,9729
color Depending on the light, it appears green, purple and other
colors (blue-green in daylight, purplish-red under
incandescent light).
Crystalline structure Orthorhombic crystal system
Cleavage Three groups of incomplete cleavage
fracture Shell-shaped or irregular notches
Toughness/brittleness crisp
Mohs hardness 8.5
luster Vitreous luster
Streak white
transparency transparent
density 3.5 - 3.84g/cm³
refractive index 1.746～1.755
Birefringence 0.008～0.010
Dispersion value 0.014
The origin Sri Lanka, Brazil, Russia, India, Tanzania and other places
#The cause of the discoloration of the alexandrite
The reason for the color change of alexandrite is that the gemstone contains
trace amounts of chromium, which makes it the strongest transmission to green light
and the second most to red light. Therefore, when it is illuminated by sunlight during
the day, it transmits most is green light, so it appears gray-green, pale yellow-green
or blue-green; If it is irradiated with an incandescent lamp with a red-yellow
spectrum, the transmitted red light is particularly large, so it appears brownish red or
purplish-red. Its special color change phenomenon makes alexandrite known as
"emerald in the day, ruby in the night".
Alexandrite generally ranges in color from pale yellowish green or blue-green, to
purplish red to brownish-red. The highest-grade alexandrite, whose color is like
emerald's bright green and changes color to the bright red color of ruby, can be said
to be almost extinct today. Metamorphosis that can achieve bright colors is very rare,
so the color change is strong and significant, and it is regarded as a rarity and
extremely valuable.

# Symbol of Alexandrite
Alexandrite is known as a symbol of health, longevity, prosperity and prosperity.
Due to its ability to change from green to red, it is considered an interaction between
the physical world (green) and the spiritual world (red), a stone of the mind that
often symbolizes "balance".
Alexandrite is not only the birthstone for June, but also the gemstone for the 55th
wedding anniversary, which is believed to bring love and success, and is a natural
symbol of long-term happiness in marriage.