Alexandrite Gemstone Jewelry Properties
- Date: 2007-06-08 - Word Count: 294
Share This!
Alexandrite - the tsarstone - is a variety of the mineral, chrysoberyl, an aluminate of beryllium. Although mined in such scattered locations as Brazil, Burma, India, Madagascar and Tanzania, the finest examples of the unique gem, alexandrite, are from the Rodina - Mother Russia.
With a rating of 8.5 on Moh's scale, alexandrite ranks right between ruby and sapphire. This hardness makes alexandrite an excellent choice for jewelry. It is its color - or more properly, ‘colors' - that give alexandrite its unique quality. In daylight, an optimum, or ideal, alexandrite is a bluish emerald green. In incandescent light, however, the alexandrite appears a purplish or raspberry red. These are the striking hues of the original Russian alexandrite. Alexandrite from other locations tends to be less vivid in varying degrees. This interesting trait of this diaphanous mineral is due to alexandrite's chemical composition.
Although basically a chrysoberyl, which is colorless, alexandrite contains iron, titanium, beryllium and chromium. This very specific set of circumstances in nature - makes alexandrite one of the rarest and most valuable of the gemstones. An alexandrite of more than one caret is rarer than a fine ruby, sapphire or emerald.
It's interesting to note that this tendency of a stone to change colors is in fact called "the alexandrite effect." Sapphires and garnets, for instance, are said to be "alexandritic".
For a beautiful selection of gemstone rings, visit http://gemstone.applesofgold.com/ from Apples of Gold Jewelry.
Apples of Gold Jewelry has launched it's section of gemstone jewelry articles on all major gemstones such as the sapphire, emerald, ruby, tanzanite jewelry, amethyst rings, pink sapphire, pearl jewelry, onyx rings, blue topaz gemstone jewelry, aquamarine rings, peridot, garnet, and more gemstone jewelry.
With a knowledgeable staff writer an expert research, the Apples of Gold Jewelry gemstone rings section offers invaluable insight into each major gemstone.
With a rating of 8.5 on Moh's scale, alexandrite ranks right between ruby and sapphire. This hardness makes alexandrite an excellent choice for jewelry. It is its color - or more properly, ‘colors' - that give alexandrite its unique quality. In daylight, an optimum, or ideal, alexandrite is a bluish emerald green. In incandescent light, however, the alexandrite appears a purplish or raspberry red. These are the striking hues of the original Russian alexandrite. Alexandrite from other locations tends to be less vivid in varying degrees. This interesting trait of this diaphanous mineral is due to alexandrite's chemical composition.
Although basically a chrysoberyl, which is colorless, alexandrite contains iron, titanium, beryllium and chromium. This very specific set of circumstances in nature - makes alexandrite one of the rarest and most valuable of the gemstones. An alexandrite of more than one caret is rarer than a fine ruby, sapphire or emerald.
It's interesting to note that this tendency of a stone to change colors is in fact called "the alexandrite effect." Sapphires and garnets, for instance, are said to be "alexandritic".
For a beautiful selection of gemstone rings, visit http://gemstone.applesofgold.com/ from Apples of Gold Jewelry.
Apples of Gold Jewelry has launched it's section of gemstone jewelry articles on all major gemstones such as the sapphire, emerald, ruby, tanzanite jewelry, amethyst rings, pink sapphire, pearl jewelry, onyx rings, blue topaz gemstone jewelry, aquamarine rings, peridot, garnet, and more gemstone jewelry.
With a knowledgeable staff writer an expert research, the Apples of Gold Jewelry gemstone rings section offers invaluable insight into each major gemstone.
Related Tags: garnet, amethyst, sapphire rings, topaz, ruby rings, emerald rings, tanzanite
Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Wedding Photographer Outlay
Weddings are special moments that ought to be shared with other people, especially with the future c - Wedding Song: Factors To Consider When Choosing A Wedding Song
A wedding song is a very important part of the wedding ceremony. For instance, songs are usually pla - Wedding Song: How To Choose A Wedding Song
A wedding song is an integral part of the wedding ceremony. The wedding will not be as meaningful or - Why Handkerchiefs Make Great Wedding Accessories
Handkerchiefs are an ideal accessory to add to any wedding because they carry significance and meani - Top 7 Money Saving Tips On Wedding Dresses Ideas
When preparing wedding for the big day, I am convinced that you will come upon wedding dresses choos - Wedding Reception Venues On Anna Maria Island
Anna Maria Island has one of the most striking and memorable beaches on the Florida coast. On the is - Anna Maria Island Wedding Planner
If you are looking for one of the most scenic and romantic spots on the coast line of America to get - Wedding Checklist - How To Get Started
Your wedding checklist will quickly become your bible as your plan everything for your big day from - Ideas To Find The Best Nashville Wedding Venue
Searching for the best place to get married in Nashville? Here are some ideas that you may find help - Colorado Springs Florists
This coming Celebration Season, florists in Colorado Springs will be happy to adorn all your parties
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Getting Married? Don't Feed The Band
So, you've picked out your reception hall and you've signed the best wedding band you've ever heard - Differences in Wedding Customs
There are other differences in wedding customs. In Russia, the bride and groom stay attached to each - When Things Go Wrong at Weddings
Usually at most weddings, something in the plans goes wrong. At our wedding, the limousine didn't sh - Tips on Garden Weddings
The 21st century has brought much change in the world of tradition. Once time honored traditions ha - Pharmacies offer deep discounts for buying Viagra online
The benefits of buying Viagra online (sildenafil citrate) are vast. First, it's confidential. - How to throw a French Themed Bridal Shower
Although the French themselves do not have the tradition of holding bridal showers, there is no rea - How to Dress All Your Bridesmaids to Look Their Best
You want your wedding to be fabulous. Fantastic, even! But there are so many headaches to deal wit - Weddings - A Matter of Perspective
When you decide to commit to someone for the rest of your life, you should start out on a high note - Ring in the New Year With Beautiful Bridal Jewelry for you and your Maids
This coming up year, brides are looking for unique and beautiful bridal and bridesmaid jewelry. Mor - and Don'ts for the Bride-to-be
Ladies, when it comes time to plan for your big day, do a little research on wedding traditions, bud