The Allure of Alexandrite: The Color-Changing June Birthstone

Alexandrite stands apart in the gemological world as a stone of duality and wonder. As the primary birthstone for the month of June, it is renowned for its extraordinary ability to shift hues dramatically between daylight and incandescent light. This remarkable phenomenon, combined with a storied history and specific geological origins, makes alexandrite a subject of intense interest for collectors, jewelers, and those born under its influence. This article delves into the properties, history, and significance of alexandrite, drawing exclusively from the provided sources to present a comprehensive overview of this captivating gem.

History and Lore

The history of alexandrite is intrinsically linked to Russian royalty and the 19th century. According to the provided materials, the gem was named after Alexander II, the Czar of Russia. Its discovery is a notable historical event, as the sources state it was found on this ruler’s birthday in the early 1830s. This fortuitous coincidence cemented its status as a gem of imperial significance. The stone's color-changing property, shifting from blue-green to red-purple, was said to mirror the military colors of old Russia—green for the army and red for the army's uniforms, a fact that would have deeply appealed to the imperial court.

The tradition of assigning specific gemstones to each month of the year has evolved over centuries, with modern lists largely standardized in the 20th century. While the provided sources do not detail the broader history of birthstone lists, they confirm that alexandrite holds the position as the designated birthstone for June within the context of the James Avery collection, a reputable jewelry brand. This designation is presented as a matter of fact, reinforcing the gem's modern cultural relevance. The narrative surrounding alexandrite is one of serendipitous discovery and royal endorsement, a tale that enhances its mystique and desirability. For those born in June, wearing alexandrite is not merely an aesthetic choice but a connection to a historical narrative of imperial grandeur and natural wonder.

Geological Formation and Sources

Alexandrite is a variety of the mineral chrysoberyl, a fact explicitly stated in the sources. Its formation requires a specific and rare geological environment. The presence of chromium within the crystal lattice is what causes its signature color change, a property that sets it apart from other chrysoberyl varieties. While the provided sources do not detail the specific mines or geological conditions, they do provide a crucial piece of information regarding its modern sourcing.

James Avery, the jewelry company featured in the sources, states that its alexandrite is "lab-created." This is a significant distinction. Natural alexandrite is exceptionally rare and valuable, primarily sourced from historical deposits in Russia, Sri Lanka, and Brazil. The sources indicate that the alexandrite used in James Avery jewelry is a synthetic version, created in a laboratory environment. This process replicates the natural conditions under which alexandrite forms, resulting in a gemstone with the same chemical composition and physical properties as its natural counterpart. The use of lab-created alexandrite makes this captivating gem accessible to a wider audience, offering the same visual spectacle without the prohibitive cost and scarcity of natural stones. The sources also note that James Avery's jewelry is "Made in the USA," with designs crafted by their own artisans in the Texas Hill Country, emphasizing a commitment to domestic craftsmanship.

Gemological Properties

Alexandrite's most defining characteristic is its pleochroism, specifically its color change. The sources describe this phenomenon with clarity: the gem appears "blue-green in daylight or fluorescent light" and transforms to "red-purple in lamp or candlelight." This dramatic shift is due to the way the human eye perceives light under different sources and the specific absorption spectrum of chromium ions in the crystal. The effect is not merely a subtle change but a complete transformation in the dominant hue, making each stone a dynamic, living piece of jewelry.

While the sources do not provide a full suite of gemological data such as refractive index or specific gravity, they do offer other relevant physical details. The specific piece mentioned, the James Avery Remembrance Ring, features an "approximate 3.5mm round faceted lab-created alexandrite." The use of a faceted cut is standard for alexandrite to maximize its brilliance and color play. The ring is crafted from sterling silver, a common and durable setting for the gem. The width of the ring is noted as "approx. 0.25#double; wide," though the precise measurement is somewhat ambiguous in the source text. The durability of alexandrite is another key property. As a variety of chrysoberyl, it has a Mohs hardness of 8.5, making it a very durable gemstone suitable for everyday wear in rings and other jewelry. This high hardness means it is resistant to scratching and abrasion, though, like all gemstones, it should be protected from hard blows.

Summary of Key Properties (Based on Sources)

Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs

The symbolism of alexandrite is deeply tied to its color-changing nature. In the sources, it is described as a gem that "sparkles and shines to make a timeless statement." The shifting hues are often interpreted as a metaphor for balance and harmony. The ability to appear in two distinct color families—cool blues and greens in the day, and warm reds and purples at night—represents a duality that can be seen as a balance between the conscious and subconscious, or the material and spiritual worlds.

The sources from James Avery emphasize the personal and emotional significance of the gem. It is presented as a stone to "represent a special love or to celebrate your birthday or the birthday of those you hold dear." This positions alexandrite not just as a beautiful object, but as a vessel for personal meaning and sentiment. The act of gifting or wearing alexandrite is framed as a way to honor life's moments and relationships. While the provided materials do not delve into historical metaphysical beliefs or healing properties beyond this, the modern interpretation focuses on its connection to personal milestones, love, and the celebration of individuality through the birthstone tradition. Its association with the month of June, a time of summer's beginning in the Northern Hemisphere, also aligns with themes of growth, vitality, and change—mirroring the gem's own transformative quality.

Care and Cleaning

The care for alexandrite jewelry is straightforward, thanks to its considerable hardness. As a gemstone with a Mohs hardness of 8.5, it is resistant to most scratches and daily wear. The primary considerations for care stem from the metal settings in which it is typically mounted and the need to preserve its brilliance.

For cleaning, a simple method using warm water, mild dish soap, and a soft brush (such as a toothbrush) is effective for removing dirt and oils from both the gemstone and the metal setting. The sources do not provide specific cleaning instructions, but general gemological best practices apply. Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for alexandrite itself, but caution is advised for jewelry with other components or if the stone has significant inclusions or fractures. Steam cleaning is not recommended for alexandrite, as the high heat and pressure could potentially damage the stone or any resin used in fracture filling, though the lab-created alexandrite mentioned in the sources is typically free of such treatments.

Storage is also important. To prevent scratches, alexandrite jewelry should be stored separately from other jewelry pieces, ideally in a soft-lined box or pouch. While alexandrite is durable, it is not indestructible, and a hard impact could cause chipping or fracturing, especially at the gem's points or facets. As with all fine jewelry, it is advisable to remove alexandrite rings before engaging in heavy manual work, gardening, or activities that could subject the piece to chemicals or physical trauma.

Conclusion

Alexandrite is a gemstone of remarkable character, defined by its dramatic color change, historical legacy, and durable nature. As the June birthstone, it offers a unique connection to a narrative of imperial Russian history and natural rarity, made accessible today through the production of high-quality lab-created varieties. Its properties—a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale and a captivating shift from blue-green to red-purple—make it both a practical and enchanting choice for fine jewelry. Whether set in sterling silver or gold, alexandrite serves as a personal talisman, symbolizing balance, love, and the celebration of life's special occasions. For those born in June or for any admirer of gemological wonders, alexandrite remains a stone of timeless allure and profound significance.

Sources

1. https://cartnear.com/itm/james-avery-remembrance-ring-june-birthstone-with-lab-created-alexandrite-1031716
2. https://www.jamesavery.com/gifts/shop-by-collection/june-birthstone-alexandrite-jewelry
3. https://www.jamesavery.com/gifts/shop-personalized-gifts/birthstone-gifts
4. https://www.ebay.com/shop/james-avery-birthstone