Of all color-change gemstones, alexandrite is the most popular and one of the rarest color-change gemstones. Unlike most other gemstones, alexandrite changes color with different lights. Under daylight or fluorescent light, the color gemstone is bluish-green, but under incandescents, the color changes to a purplish-red. Because of alexandrite’s unique color/optical properties, as well as the gem’s natural rarity, collectors of antique alexandrite jewelry continue to pay a premium. Therefore, many collectors and jewelry enthusiasts seek out and pay high for natural alexandrite rings as they are the rarest, most beautiful, and have high significant symbolism. At this point, the gemstone’s exclusivity to the eye is so undeniable that many admirers seek to understand the science behind it.
The Unusual Chemistry Behind the Color Change of Alexandrite
The color-change ability of alexandrite is due to its unique combination of mineral chemistry. It is the most popular variety of the mineral chrysoberyl and as a result, alexandrite is also a variety of chrysoberyl, its mineral Zusammensetzung is roughly the same. In addition to this, chrysoberyl contains very small amounts of the rare trace element chromium, which is responsible for the color hues of the stone depending on the available light. Daylight is made up of a stronger intensity of blue and green wavelengths which makes the stone appear to be greenish in color, while incandescent and candle light as a result of lesser light emphasizes the red wavelengths which reveals the stone’s reddish tones. The combination of these different conditions and elements makes the gemstone unique and rare which adds to the high value of the stone in natural alexandrite rings.
How Light Sources Influence Color Perception
Alexandrite color shift is caused by the reaction of human eyes and light. Sunlight and artificial light, different in spectral composition and qualitatively, light and alexandrite reacts to each in a different way. This reaction is what is known as the “alexandrite effect” which is what makes the gemstone so unique. Unlike color-change stones which show subtle variation of color, alexandrite is known to drastically and dramatically change its color. The optical behavior of such alexandrite is what makes jewelers and collectors highly value natural alexandrite rings and makes them to be among the most unique and extraordinary pieces of fine jewelry.
Why are Natural Alexendrite Rings So Incredibly Rare
Many gem stones naturally form over long periods of time. Natural alexandrite is one of those extremely rare geological events. It can be traced back to the 19th century when it was first discovered from Russia’s Ural Mountains. Due to the minimal amount of beryllium, chromium, and iron, the gemstone was able to develop. After being discovered, brazil, sri lanka and east african countries are now the only other locations with geological conditions to extract it from. Even then, stones with dark and strong color changes when light is casted are extremely rare. This signal quality makes natural alexandrite rings more rare than diamonds, making them extremely prestigious.
The Impact of Clarity and Cut on Color Change
In addition to rarity, alexandrite is also judged based on its clarity, cut, and degree of color change. An alexandrite that is cut well will allow for optimal light shine to pass through and will enhance the color change that is visible going through the spectrum of green to red. Inclusions on the surface or the stone are typical for natural stones, however, better quality examples, having even more inclusions, are very valuable. Color changes from natural alexandrite are more easily fashioned with expertly cut stones, and with that each piece is one of a kind.
Zoomorphic Functions of Alexandrite Jewelry
Balance, intuition, and transformation are the properties often linked with alexandrite. The stone’s dual color nature, and adaptability and harmony, makes it more meaningful for someone who values gemstones that portray layered meaning. It has also historically been linked with royalty and lavish lifestyles, but that has been modernized to signifying having an exquisite taste and a love for a rarity found in nature transformed by science.
Why Value Alexandrite So Highly
Considering its rarity and significance, alexandrite is considered by buyers and collectors as one of the most precious of all gemstones. Science, rarity, and history all bond into one as one is able to appreciate the high value of each of the stones. Unlike the mass-produced stones that are sold in most jewelleries, each alexandrite is unique and is balanced with its own individual character. As the circlet becomes more and more of an investment, especially while natural sources of alexandrite are drastically running low, alexandrite rings grow in value.
Final Notes
This science of color-changing gemstones is what makes alexandrite stand-out. Its unique chemical make-up, spectacularly responsive to light, and extreme rarity makes it one of the most exceptional gemstones in existence. What is captured is extraordinary. Seeing a piece of natural stone in the form of a ring is breathtaking. Those that appreciate true scarcity and the elegance of science are able to see that alexandrite is one of the most valuable available.
