Alexandrite
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− | '''Alexandrite''' | + | '''Alexandrite''' |
==Phenomenon== | ==Phenomenon== | ||
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==Alexandrite Identification== | ==Alexandrite Identification== | ||
− | An Alexandrite can easily be separated from most stones through its color change properties. A simple flicker between fluorescent and incandescent light sources does the job. This leaves only color change garnets, synthetic color change sapphire, and synthetic color change spinel. After a stone has been identified as an Alexandrite it still has to be determined if it is a synthetic or natural | + | An Alexandrite can easily be separated from most stones through its color change properties. A simple flicker between fluorescent and incandescent light sources does the job. This leaves only color change garnets, synthetic color change sapphire, and synthetic color change spinel. After a stone has been identified as an Alexandrite it still has to be determined if it is a synthetic or natural. |
==History== | ==History== | ||
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==Sources== | ==Sources== | ||
− | Current sources of Alexandrite include Russia, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Madagascar and India | + | Current sources of Alexandrite include Russia, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Madagascar and India |
===Russia=== | ===Russia=== | ||
− | + | Original source of the Alexandrite. Gemstones are very high quality with distinct color changes and saturated colors. These mines produced many of the larger Alexandrites on the market weighing 5 carats or more. Mines have since dried out but still continue producing alexandrite in low volume. | |
===Brazil=== | ===Brazil=== | ||
− | + | Also produced large specimens of 5 carats and up. Hematita is still one of the most important deposits of alexandrite, although production has decreased in resent years. Its stones show a nice color change from bluish green to raspberry red. Occasionally stones with chatoyancy are discovered in Brazil, mainly around the Americana and Santana valleys, and are cut as cabochon cat's eyes. | |
===Sri Lanka=== | ===Sri Lanka=== | ||
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==Buyers Guide== | ==Buyers Guide== | ||
− | Distinct color change is the | + | Distinct color change is the important factor when purchasing an alexandrite, although color saturation and clarity also effect its price. Top quality alexandrites show a strong color change from purplish red in incandescent light to bluish green in daylight, without any trace of brown or gray and have moderately strong to strong color saturation. Such stones command heavy prices so any inexpensive gems with these colors is likely a synthetic or simulant. For a significant purchase, a certification of gem identity and natural vs. synthetic is recommended. |
− | + | ==Price and Availability== | |
− | Due to its rarity, alexandrites are expensive gems and fine quality specimens are considered more valuable than sapphire, ruby and emerald, especially when weighing over 1 carat. Large alexandrites especially those originating in Russia are hardly ever found in modern jewelry and | + | Due to its rarity, alexandrites are expensive gems and fine quality specimens are considered more valuable than sapphire, ruby and emerald, especially when weighing over 1 carat. Large alexandrites especially those originating in Russia are hardly ever found in modern jewelry and is only likely to be found in antique - estate jewelry which can be found listed at auctions with impressive estimates. Most cut alexandrite on the market today, weighs less than one carat and has low saturation muddied coloring. Cat's eye alexandrite is particularly valuable. Quality alexandrite is generally attained through specialized dealers. Improved trade with Russia have released a better supply of these gems to the market. |
===Certification=== | ===Certification=== | ||
− | GIA offers identification reports for loose or mounted | + | GIA offers identification reports for loose or mounted Alexandrite but no grading as is their policy with all other gemstones. Their cert also states whether the alexandrite is natural or synthetic, and lists any detectable treatments as well as providing the weight, measurements, shape, cutting style and color of the stone. GIA does not offer certification of origin for alexandrites. |
===Alternatives=== | ===Alternatives=== |