Alexandrite Stone
If we dig deep into the bowels of the earth, we may come across a number of stones, some of them precious, some semi precious and others that do not have any specific value. Considered to be amongst the world's highly valued gemstones, alexandrite stone is quite rare in occurrence. It is exclusively prized due to its unique characteristic of changing color in natural light as well as in shade. Alexandrite is actually a variety of the chrysoberyl gemstone, the other being cymophane, popular as cat's eye. Though it occurs in numerous hues of green, when placed in natural light, under the artificial light it dramatically changes its color to a deeper shade. For instance, an alexandrite gemstone which is brilliant green in color has the tendency to phenomenally change its hue to a deep red shade, similar to a ruby. Sometimes under incandescent light, the shade can appear to be brown or mauve. This gemstone is very expensive due to its rarity.
Alexandrite: The Legend Behind It
There is a popular Russian folklore regarding the discovery and etymology of the alexandrite stone. According to the Russian legend, this gemstone was mined on the 16th birthday of the then Czar of Russia, Alexander II in the year 1834. This gemstone was given its name by a Finnish geologist, Nile Gustav Nordenskjoid, who stumbled upon this gemstone and mistook it for an emerald. For a second opinion, he sent it to a fellow geologist, who confirmed that taking qualities like hardness and color changing properties into consideration, this stone was harder than emeralds. The hardness of a gemstone is measured on the Mohs scale. Alexandrite can be rated at 8.5 whereas the measurement of the emerald comes to about 7.5 to 8. There are many controversies surrounding the etymology of the stone. Another myth has it that this stone was introduced to the Russian royalty by Count Lev Alekseevich Perovskii. It was first believed to be mined in the Ural mountains in Russia. Nowadays, large deposits of alexandrite stone can be found in Brazil, India, Myanmar and Zimbabwe etc.
Alexandrite Gemstone Meaning
Believed to be named after the Russian Czar, Alexander II, alexandrite stone is used as a good luck charm. This stone is used in crystal healing, since it has many healing properties on the physical and psychological aspect of the person. This stone is amongst the popular healing stones and crystals that have many beneficial effects on the wearer. It is known to channelize positive energy and thoughts and ward off evil. It helps the individual maintain a proper balance in life. Health, propensity and fame are believed to be bestowed on the wearer of this rare gemstone. It also helps an individual take bold decisions and also protects him from unwanted circumstances. Wearing alexandrite stone is also known to prevent the occurrence of the diseases of the pancreas and the spleen. The alexandrite birthstone can be worn by people born in the month of November and is also recommended for people who are born under the zodiac signs Aquarius and Scorpio. The gem's price may vary according to the carat size of the stone. Stones that are one carat or less than one carat may cost approximately USD 15,000 to USD 20,000. Stones that have bigger carats are priced at about USD 100,000 and above.
Donning this almost flawless gemstone in the form of alexandrite stone rings or embedded in any other jewelry will add a charismatic touch to your persona.
