Eluna Jewelry- delete

Alexandrite

(June Birthstone)

Alexandrite is a rare variety of Chrysoberyl, which was first discovered in 1830 in
Russia. Named for Czar Alexander II (it was found on his birthday), the stone is prized for its strong pleochroism properties. Pleochroism is an optical property that changes the color of the stone, dependant upon the length of the light wave. In the case of Alexandrite, the stone is bright green when viewed in short-wavelength light (daylight). When viewed in
long-wavelength light (candle light), the stone appears to be a rich red or brown. This change is attributed to the chromic oxide found within the stone.


The stone has been extremely popular in Russia since its discovery in 1830 for a
number of reasons. First, as I mentioned before, the stone was found on the birthday of, and named after Czar Alexander II. The second reason the stone is popular in Russia is the fact that the stone echoes the imperial colors of Russia (Red and Green.)


In the 1920, the famous jewelry store Tiffany's produced and marketed an entire line of rings that showed off the stone beautiful coloring.



For many years Alexandrite was a hard stone to find. The Urals mine in Russia had exhausted it supply of the gemstone. New sources of this gemstone were found in 1987 and again in 1993
bringing this stone back to the forefront for gemstone enthusiast.


Alexandrite is said to have the power to effect positive change on the central
nervous system, tissue regeneration, the spleen, the pancreas, and the endocrine
system. It is also believe to sooth swollen lymph nodes and afflictions caused
by leukemia.



Alexandrite is also believed to demonstrate several mystical qualities. It is said to encourage emotional maturity, purity, elegance, grace, protection, and regeneration. It is also thought to be lucky for gamblers, and said to bring about happiness and success.