Alexandrite June
A precious gem, alexandrite is rarer than even the diamond. Holding the spot for the rarest birthstone, this gem is a variety of the same mineral producing the birthstone cat’s eye.
Color
Well-known for the property of changing colors, Alexandrite is known by the phrase, ‘Emerald by day, ruby by night. Most prized alexandrite birthstones show a vivid green to bluish-green in daylight or fluorescent light, and an intense red to purplish-red in incandescent light.
Symbolism
Connoted with the moon and spirituality, alexandrite is a sign of love and wisdom; infamous for the luminescence that comes from within.
Origin
A theory around the moonstone was built by Ancient Romans, about the glow that seemed to be created by frozen moonlight. This gorgeous variety of gem sparkles with a light that resembles moonshine; but in reality, it is a mineral feldspar, terrestrial by nature. Schiller is the name given to this type of shimmer, the cause of it being the intergrowth of different varieties of feldspar with varying refractive indexes.
uses
It helps in regaining inner balance and accelerates the self-healing process. It is also said to help in a person’s spiritual growth and enhance sleep and treat sleepwalking. It helps in dreaming positively and diving away nightmares. The hormone cycle is regulated and the sacral chakras of the body are opened to enhance the power of intuition. It makes one fearless and gives the strength to overcome problems or face them. Hence, since yesteryears, it is considered a stone for good fortune.
Care & cleaning
A gem so precious requires precarious treatment and extreme care; which is why heat exposure is an absolute no-no. This is because the beautiful color-changing effect can be heavily impacted. Warm-soapy water is the way to go for cleaning this beauty, along with alcohol or even a commercial jewelry cleaner. Only experienced jewelers should try their hand at steam or ultrasonic cleaning.
Types of Alexandrite
Alexandrite gemstone types were dependent on where they were mined.
Zimbabwe Alexandrite
These stones have fewer color changes and darker tints of purple.
Tanzanian Alexandrite
This stone is faint in color and has a medium color-changing capacity.
Brazilian Alexandrite
These stones tend to have a high saturation of blue to purplish color change.
Sri Lankan Alexandrite
These gemstones have khaki to brown color changes.