Alexandrite

Alexandrite is a mesmerising and phenomenal gemstone with unique optical properties. Renowned for its stunning transitions from vibrant green to deep red hues, this gemstone is a perfect fusion of colour-changing beauty and natural wonder.

Historical Source & Origin

Ural Mountains

The Ural Mountains are historically source of alexandrite, the first abundant deposits were discovered in 1830. These mines produced high-quality stones renowned for their vibrant hues and dramatic colour changes, characteristics that define Russian alexandrites. Unfortunately, these remarkable deposits were not sustainable, leading to constraints in the gemstone's availability.

Today, alexandrite is sourced from various regions, including Sri Lanka, East Africa, and Brazil. While modern sources produce this captivating gem, the unique properties and quality of Russian alexandrites are hard to replicate, maintaining their status as one of the most sought-after and treasured gemstones in the world.

Phenomenal Gemstones

Colour Transformation

Alexandrite is famed for its extraordinary ability to transform colour under various lighting conditions, also known as photochronism. Often described as “emerald by day, ruby by night,” these gemstones have a high chrome content that allows the stone to exhibit the highly prized colour change effect. In natural sunlight, alexandrite shimmers with vibrant green hues, while candlelight reveals a deep red shade. This captivating optical phenomenon means alexandrite is highly sought after by gem enthusiasts worldwide. This is a particularly exceptional example due to the intensity of colour change, adding to its beauty and appeal.

Physical Properties

Alexandrite

Alexandrite is not just a stunning gemstone; it's a natural wonder. Its hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale ranks among the hardest gemstones, following diamonds and corundum. Its remarkable toughness and lack of cleavage make it highly resilient and perfect for everyday wear.

The unique properties of alexandrite also enhance its visual appeal. It exhibits striking pleochroism, an optical phenomenon in which the gemstone displays different colours, such as deep red, orange, and dark green, depending on the angle from which it is viewed.

Some specimens of this gemstone also showcase a distinctive cat's eye effect, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their appearance.

MASTERPIECE

Alexandrite Manhattan Ring