For those born in June, the selection of a birthstone presents a unique and captivating choice. While the month is traditionally associated with the organic luster of pearls, modern lists, particularly in the United States, have elevated Alexandrite to a primary position. This gemstone is not merely a pretty adornment; it is a marvel of nature, renowned for its dramatic and enchanting color-changing property. Known as the "emerald by day, ruby by night," Alexandrite offers a visual spectacle that has fascinated gemologists, royalty, and collectors for nearly two centuries. Its journey from a Ural Mountain discovery to a celebrated birthstone is a story of geological wonder, historical significance, and enduring beauty. This article delves into the world of Alexandrite, exploring its historical origins, unique geological formation, distinctive gemological properties, and its revered status in both historical lore and modern gemology as June's alternative birthstone.
History and Lore: A Royal Discovery
The history of Alexandrite is intrinsically linked to a specific time and place: the Russian Ural Mountains in the 1830s. The gemstone's discovery is a tale of serendipity and imperial symbolism. According to historical accounts, the mineral was first identified on the birthday of the future Tsar Alexander II, in 1830, near the emerald mines of the Ural region. The stone's most remarkable characteristic—its ability to shift from a greenish hue in daylight to a reddish or purplish tone under incandescent light—was likely observed shortly after its discovery. This phenomenon was so striking that the gem was named in honor of the young Tsesarevich, Alexander, whose birthday it coincided with. The color change was seen as a potent symbol, aligning the green of the Russian imperial military with the red of its cavalry uniforms, making it a stone of national pride.
This discovery quickly propelled Alexandrite into the favor of the Russian aristocracy and the court of Tsar Alexander III. It became a symbol of national identity and pride for Russia, often referred to as the "national stone." Its rarity and unique optical properties made it a coveted gem among the elite. The Russian imperial family possessed some of the finest examples, and the stone's lore was deeply woven into the cultural fabric of 19th-century Russia. The association with the Tsar and the military's colors solidified its status not just as a beautiful gem, but as a stone of power, prestige, and patriotic sentiment.
The tradition of assigning specific gemstones to specific months, which includes Alexandrite as a June birthstone, is a more modern development. While the concept of birthstones dates back to ancient civilizations, the standardized list used widely today was largely formalized in the early 20th century. The American National Retail Jeweler’s Association, now known as Jewelers of America, published an official list in 1912, which included Alexandrite as the modern birthstone for June, alongside the traditional Pearl. This formalization helped cement Alexandrite's place in the global market and popular culture, moving it from a rare Russian treasure to a recognized birthstone for a new generation of enthusiasts worldwide.
Geological Formation and Sources: The Genesis of a Color-Changer
Alexandrite is a variety of the mineral chrysoberyl, a beryllium aluminum oxide (BeAl₂O₄). Its formation is a rare and specific geological event. The gemstone crystallizes under a unique set of conditions where the elements beryllium and chromium are present together, but aluminum is abundant. Chromium is the trace element responsible for Alexandrite's color and its famous color change. In most geological environments, chromium is typically found in rocks that are low in aluminum, and beryllium is a relatively rare element. The convergence of these three elements—beryllium, aluminum, and chromium—in the same location is what makes natural Alexandrite exceptionally rare.
The primary and most historically significant source of Alexandrite has been the Ural Mountains in Russia. The mines in the Yekaterinburg (formerly Sverdlovsk) region, such as the Malyshevka mine, produced the finest material with the most dramatic color change. However, the yield from these mines has been minimal for over a century, making Russian Alexandrite exceedingly scarce and valuable. The original deposits were largely depleted by the late 19th century, and while some small-scale mining continues, the production of gem-quality material is negligible.
In the latter half of the 20th century, new sources of Alexandrite were discovered, which have made the stone more accessible, though still rare. The most significant of these are in Brazil, particularly in the state of Minas Gerais. Brazilian Alexandrite can exhibit a strong color change, though the base colors may differ slightly from the classic Russian variety. Other notable sources include Sri Lanka, which produces some Alexandrite with a less pronounced color shift, and East Africa (Tanzania and Zimbabwe), where material is often found in smaller sizes. More recently, deposits have been identified in India and Madagascar. While these new sources have increased the availability of Alexandrite, fine-quality stones with a vivid color change remain rare and command high prices, especially in larger carat sizes.
Gemological Properties: The Science of the Spectacle
Understanding Alexandrite requires a look at its fundamental gemological properties. As a variety of chrysoberyl, it shares many characteristics with its mineral family but possesses unique attributes that define its value and identity.
Chemical Composition and Crystal Structure: Alexandrite's chemical formula is BeAl₂O₄. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system. The presence of chromium (Cr³⁺) as a trace impurity is what causes its characteristic color and color change. The chromium ions substitute for aluminum ions in the crystal lattice, absorbing light in the yellow and blue parts of the spectrum and transmitting green and red light. The color we see depends on the light source's spectral composition and how our eyes perceive the transmitted wavelengths.
Color and Color Change: The most defining feature of Alexandrite is its dramatic color change. Under natural daylight or fluorescent light (which is richer in blue wavelengths), it typically appears as a blue-green or a vivid grassy green. Under incandescent light or candlelight (which is richer in red wavelengths), it shifts to a brownish-red, raspberry-red, or violet-red hue. The intensity and quality of this color change are the most critical factors in determining an Alexandrite's value. The ideal change is from a pure, intense green to a pure, intense red. The stone is often described by the phrase "emerald by day, ruby by night," a testament to its spectacular transformation.
Hardness and Durability: On the Mohs scale of hardness, Alexandrite is an 8.5. This makes it an exceptionally durable gemstone, suitable for all types of jewelry, including rings that are subject to daily wear. Its hardness is superior to many other popular birthstones, such as quartz (7) or topaz (8), and it is only slightly less hard than corundum (ruby and sapphire, at 9) and diamond (10). This durability, combined with its rarity, contributes to its desirability and higher price point.
Clarity and Inclusions: Natural Alexandrite, like many colored gemstones, often contains inclusions. It is rare to find a clean, eye-clean stone, especially in larger sizes. Common inclusions can include fine silk (rutile needles), which can sometimes soften the color and contribute to a cat's-eye effect when cut en cabochon, and small crystals or fingerprint-like fluid inclusions. The presence of inclusions is generally accepted, provided they do not detract significantly from the stone's beauty or durability. The value of an Alexandrite is determined by a combination of factors, with color change being paramount, followed by color saturation, clarity, and size.
To summarize the key properties, the following table provides a quick reference:
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Mineral Species | Chrysoberyl |
| Chemical Formula | BeAl₂O₄ |
| Color | Green in daylight; red to purple in incandescent light |
| Mohs Hardness | 8.5 |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic |
| Specific Gravity | 3.71 - 3.75 |
| Refractive Index | 1.746 - 1.755 |
| Key Characteristic | Strong, distinct color change |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs: A Stone of Transformation
Beyond its physical attributes, Alexandrite is steeped in symbolism and metaphysical lore, much of which is tied to its transformative color change. Historically, in Russia, it was seen as a stone of good fortune and a bringer of luck, especially to those in positions of power or those seeking to navigate complex social and political landscapes. Its dual nature was interpreted as a balance of opposing forces: the calm, natural green of day and the passionate, fiery red of night. This duality made it a symbol of balance, harmony, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
In metaphysical traditions, Alexandrite is often called a "stone of intuition" and is believed to enhance one's perception and ability to see beyond the obvious. The color change is thought to represent the connection between the physical and spiritual worlds, encouraging the wearer to embrace change and transition with grace. It is associated with the crown chakra and is believed to promote spiritual growth, creativity, and a deeper connection to one's inner wisdom.
While these metaphysical beliefs are a significant part of Alexandrite's cultural appeal for many enthusiasts, it is important to note that such properties are not scientifically proven and are based on folklore and personal belief systems. From a gemological perspective, Alexandrite's value lies in its natural beauty, rarity, and the scientific principles that govern its unique optical phenomenon. For collectors and buyers, the stone's allure is a combination of its tangible properties and the rich tapestry of stories and meanings that have accumulated around it over centuries.
Care and Cleaning: Preserving a Rare Gem
Given its excellent hardness of 8.5, Alexandrite is a relatively tough and resilient gemstone, making it suitable for everyday jewelry. However, like all fine gems, it requires proper care to maintain its beauty and integrity. Its durability means it is resistant to scratching by most common materials, but it can still be damaged by a hard blow or impact against a hard surface, which could cause chipping or fracture.
Cleaning Alexandrite is straightforward. The safest method is to use warm water, a mild soap, and a soft brush, such as a baby toothbrush or a soft-bristled jewelry brush. Gently scrub the stone and its setting, paying attention to any areas where dirt and oils can accumulate. Rinse thoroughly with clean, warm water to remove all soap residue, and pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth. It is important to avoid harsh chemicals, including household cleaners, bleach, and strong acids, as these can damage the gemstone or its setting over time.
Ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners are generally not recommended for Alexandrite, especially if the stone has any significant inclusions or fractures. The vibrations from an ultrasonic cleaner can potentially loosen inclusions or exacerbate existing fractures, while the high heat and pressure from steam cleaners can cause thermal shock. For jewelry with Alexandrite set in a delicate or antique setting, it is always best to consult a professional jeweler for cleaning advice. Proper storage is also key; when not being worn, Alexandrite jewelry should be kept in a soft cloth pouch or a separate compartment in a jewelry box to prevent it from being scratched by harder gems like diamonds or from being damaged by other pieces of jewelry.
Conclusion
Alexandrite stands as a testament to the wonders of the natural world, offering a rare and captivating display of color that has secured its place as a prized gemstone and a modern birthstone for June. From its royal origins in the Russian Ural Mountains to its more recent discoveries in Brazil and beyond, its history is as fascinating as its optical properties. With a hardness of 8.5, it combines remarkable durability with a unique beauty, making it an excellent choice for fine jewelry. Its value is determined by the intensity of its color change, a phenomenon that continues to intrigue gemologists and enchant collectors. Whether valued for its historical significance, its symbolic meanings of balance and transformation, or simply its breathtaking visual appeal, Alexandrite remains one of the most extraordinary and sought-after gemstones in the world, a fitting and enigmatic birthstone for those born in the month of June.