Amazing color-change Alexandrite

Alexandrite is a variety of chrysoberyl, which ideally shows a distinct colour change from green in fluorescent light or daylight to red in incandescent light.

Varieties
A very small amount of alexandrite shows a cat’s eye effect (chatoyancy).

Sources
Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Soviet Russia, Brazil, Zimbabwe – Rhodesia, Burma.

Toughness
Excellent

History
Alexandrite received its name because it was discovered on the birthday of
Czar Alexander II of Russia in 1830. Red and green are also the colours of the Russian Imperial Guard.

Cuts & Uses
Alexandrite is usually faceted. Chrysoberyl cat’s eyes must be cut en cabochon to display a chatoyant effect.