Today we want to take a look back into our Vault of Treasured Broadcasts - Behind the Sparkle: The Gem That Changes Color. Pearl is the more commonly known birthstone for June, but today I will be talking about this month’s lesser known birthstone, alexandrite.
Alexandrite with its chameleon-like qualities is a rare variety of the mineral chrysoberyl. A relatively new gemstone originally discover in Russia’s Ural mountains in the 1830s, it is now primarily found in Sri Lanka, East Africa and Brazil, but fine material is exceptionally rare and valuable. Because of its scarcity, especially in larger sizes, alexandrite is an expensive member of the chrysoberyl family. When we come back Ill talk about why this gem is often described by gem aficionados as “emerald by day, ruby by night”
Because of the complex way this mineral absorbs light alexandrite changes from a lovely green in fluorescent light to a purplish red in incandescent light. Other gems also change color in response to a light-source change, but this gem’s transformation is so striking that the phenomenon itself is often called “the alexandrite effect.”
Whether your looking for an alternative to pearl for a June birthday or need an idea for that girl that has everything an alexandrite would make an exquisite addition to any jewelry collection.
Check out bethanysjewelry.com to shop their selection of pearl and alexandrite jewelry. Use promo code ALEX to get an additional 10% off or mention this segment in store. Thanks for watching “Behind the Sparkle” right here on The Home Page Network!
0 Comments