Alexandrite is a form of mineral chrysoberyl discovered in 1830 in Russia and named after Czar Alexandrite II, who was the Prince of Russia. The gemstone alexandrite appears red in candlelight, green in fluorescent light, blue-green in daylight and reddish purple in artificial light. This change of color of this gemstone is known as the alexandrite effect. The change in color takes place due to the replacement of aluminum by chromium oxide.

The birthstone of June alexandrite is the stone for the sun sign Scorpio. Also it is the stone for the couple celebrating their forty- fifth and fifty- fifth wedding anniversary.

Russia and Sri Lanka were known to be the largest producers of alexandrite until recently. But in recent times a number of alexandrine's sources have been found in Brazil, Madagascar, Myanmar, Zimbabwe and Tanzania. But the more valuable of alexandrite is found in Rodina i.e. Mother Russia.

Many myths and folklores are associated with alexandrite like it was believed by the Russians that apart from being associated with the birth of Alexander II, the stone was associated with good omen. Alexandrite is said to provide a strong connection between natural and supernatural world. Like other crystals alexandrite is said to connect two romantically associated hearts. This gemstone is also used in curing certain physical ailments and bring inner piece to the wearer.

The weight of alexandrite vary from country to country but it is rarely more than 3 carats. Being a chrysoberyl which is colorless, alexandrite contains the elements iron, titanium, chromium and beryllium. Rarity is another factor which makes the birthstone of June alexandrite acceptable in the clarity grades, which other birthstones do not easily find. This makes alexandrite a valuable gemstone.

Alexandrite is comparatively a new gemstone but has gained popularity amongst the jewelry lovers around the world. The gemstone when combined with white and yellow gold attains its maximum luster.
The stone should be properly cared for, it should be protected from scratches, any sharp blows which might affect the look and add physical flaws to the stone. Use of chemicals for cleaning the stone should also be avoided as it would harm the luster of the stone. People wearing alexandrite jewelry should also keep it in mind that not to expose the jewelry to extreme temperatures.

Alexandrite is rare gemstone and this can make it expensive jewelry to own, but the wearer would surely enjoy the watching the change in color.

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Birthstone June Alexandrite Hearts Sterling Cross Necklace, 18 $34.50 Faceted color heart crystals are arranged into a cross. An adorable way to show your faith. We have 12 different colors corresponding to the 12 birth-months. Personalize your jewelry with colors from your birth-month! Please note written dimensions as photo is enlarged to show detail....

Birthstone June Alexandrite Crystal Hearts Sterling Cross Necklace, 16 $34.50 Faceted color heart crystals are arranged into a cross. An adorable way to show your faith. We have 12 different colors corresponding to the 12 birth-months. Personalize your jewelry with colors from your birth-month! Please note written dimensions as photo is enlarged to show detail....

Birthstone June Barbie Doll - Alexandrite - For Birthdays in June $23.89 ...

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JUNE ALEXANDRITE Birthstone Wings & Wishes Angel Tac Pin $4.99 June Brithstone Angel May this June angel Shine forever bright Your birthstone of alexandrite To protect you day and night...

As a continuation to the first article, this is a description on alexandrite and amethyst, as two of less known precious gemstones to the world.

• Amber

Bewitchingly alluring, 'Gold of the North', amber, is actually not a stone but a fossilized amorphous, tree sap. As centuries passed, the resinous substance seeping of pine trees, hardened, existing over 50 million years ago.

Its hardness measures 2.5 Mohs' on scale. With a fascinating inner world, amber specimens can really demand value. With inclusions, amber is often found containing insects and lichens, trapped inside, probably when the resin was still sticky. Apart from 'lily pad' inclusions, air bubbles contained inside the prehistoric gemstone, has also been seen.

Colored as warm and silky yellow to brown, it can also appear as transparent, or with interesting inclusions, like unbelievable inhabitants of around 40-60 million years ago.

These become favorite collectibles and more costly too. Antique amber jewelry imitations like plastic, amber look alike are very much present in market to fool buyers. Therefore, it is suggested to buy such precious items from a trusted jeweler.

During the beginning of 20th century, it became a popular jewelry item, sought after, having a significant value, which is showing a comeback this season too.

• Andalusite

Andalusite is a mineral type gemstone, which is also called as poor man's alexandrite. However, one advantage of andalusite over alexandrite is, that it doesn't needs any change in light source for color change phenomenon.

With a hardness, measuring 7 to 7.5 Mohs' on scale, it's a pleasantly durable gem. This clear variety is named after the place of its discovery, Andulasia in Spain.

Because of its fair durability, it is mostly seen faceted which gives a playful reflection of red, green, and yellow. Its colorful abundance is easily seen in an olive green from one direction, a fine reddish brown from another and grayish green from a different angle. Therefore, it is a pleohroic.

Andalusite is rarely seen on the display showcase of the jewelry; however, men fondly pick it.

Apart from such lovely valuables, found hidden, in various sources of crystalline as well as organic deposits in nature, wonder gem jewelry like sapphire earrings, ruby rings or ruby earrings are still amongst, most chosen, by buyers.

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Exotic Gems, Volume 2: How to Identify and Buy Alexandrite, Andalusite, Chrysoberyl Cat's-eye, Kyanite, Common Opal, Fire Opal, Dinosaur Gembone, Tsavorite, Rhodolite & Other Garnets $14.24 This is a full-colour guide to identifying and evaluating alexandrite, andalusite, chrysoberyl, cat's-eye, kyanite, sillimanite, common opal, fire opal, dinosaur gembone, tsavorite, rhodolite, spessartine, demantoid, malaya, grossular, and other garnets. This is the second in a series of books that explores the history, lore, properties, qualities and geographic sources of lesser-known gems. The b...