What stone is similar to alexandrite?

Only sapphires and garnets can show any real resemblance to alexandrite. Color change sapphires are basically known to occur in two types; the ones that change from blue to purple and the ones that change from green to red.

Is alexandrite a corundum?

Most gemstones described as synthetic alexandrite are actually synthetic corundum laced with vanadium to produce the color change. This alexandrite like sapphire material has been around for almost 100 years.

Is alexandrite a garnet?

Color-change Garnet that exhibits a different color in daylight and incandescent lighting. This color-changing attribute is most widely known in the rare gemstone Alexandrite.

Is alexandrite a semi precious stone?

Every other gemstone that isn’t one of those four is considered to be semi precious. The list goes on and on, but some of the more common ones are: alexandrite, agate, amethyst, aquamarine, garnet, lapis lazuli, moonstone, opal, pearl, peridot, rose quartz, spinel, tanzanite, tourmaline, turquoise and zircon.

Does alexandrite look like amethyst?

Alexandrite is found in red and green varieties though it has the ability to turn purple in incandescent light. Amethyst is a variety of quartz with a chemical formula of SiO2. Alexandrite is June birthstone whereas Amethyst is February birthstone. Alexandrite is harder than amethyst.

How can I tell if my alexandrite stone is real?

Genuine alexandrites of about one carat are sometimes (rarely) without eye-visible inclusions, so the fact that you can’t see anything in the stone doesn’t mean it’s not genuine. A look under the microscope at 10X or more is recommended. A large, inclusion-free, color-change alexandrite.

How can you tell a real alexandrite?

Real alexandrite usually changes from something in the green color range in daylight or fluorescent light to something in the red range in incandescent light. If it changes from blue to purple it is almost always a synthetic sapphire. If it is large and very clean internally you can bet it is not real.

Does alexandrite scratch easily?

Yes, Alexandrite can definitely be scratched. Alexandrite is a variety of Chrysoberyl, which has a hardness of 8.5 (according to Moh’s hardness scale). This means that the Alexandrite (and other varieties of Chrysoberyl) will be able to scratched by anything with equal or greater hardness.

Who can wear alexandrite stone?

Since Alexandrite is considered as the birthstone of the month of June, people born in the month of June are advised to wear this gemstone. In addition to this, people born under the zodiac sign of Cancer can also wear the gemstone to benefit from its mystical properties or just wear it for fashion.

What does natural alexandrite look like?

Adapting to varying light sources/conditions, alexandrite exhibits chameleon-like qualities with a lustrous green in daylight or fluorescent light and an earthy brown to purplish red with incandescent light (from a lamp) or by candle flame.

Does fake alexandrite change color?

Most gemstones described as synthetic alexandrite are actually simulated alexandrite: Synthetic corundum laced with vanadium to produce the color change. The material shows a characteristic purple-mauve color change which, although attractive, differs from alexandrite because there is never any green.

What color is an alexandrite birthstone?

green
Alexandrite is the rare variety of the mineral chrysoberyl that changes color in different lighting. Most prized are those alexandrite birthstones that show a vivid green to bluish green in daylight or fluorescent light, and an intense red to purplish red in incandescent light.

How much will a typical one carat alexandrite gemstone cost?

Example: the Alexandrite weighs 1.50 carats, has “G 5/2” and “R 5/3” hues making it fall in the “Exceptional” tone and saturation category, and it is “VVS”” clarity… the retail listed price is $20,000 to $35,000 per carat.

How expensive is alexandrite?

Natural alexandrite is rarer than diamonds and more costly than emerald,ruby,and sapphire.

What makes alexandrite change color?

The colour change in Alexandrite is caused by chromium ions, from which its main colour originates. The colour we see in different lighting is partly due to the light source spectrum, and partly due to the way our eyes see colour.

How to identify alexandrite?

Color counts most when you have an alexandrite on hand for evaluation. If you are unsure if it is original…