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Alexandrite’s meaning, styling, and care
Discovered less than 200 years ago, the rare color-shifting Alexandrite is very much a modern gem. One of June's birthstones, it's famed for its green-to-purple hues and its reputation as a stone of great good fortune. Learn how to style and care for this beautiful gemstone.
The meaning of Alexandrite
Often called "Emerald by day, Ruby by night," the rare duochrome gemstone Alexandrite has fascinated people since its discovery. While it doesn't have the ancient history of most gems, it does have a wealth of meanings associated with it. Alexandrite has long been considered an especially lucky stone, bringing good fortune and love to its wearers.
The meaning of Alexandrite
Often called "Emerald by day, Ruby by night," the rare duochrome gemstone Alexandrite has fascinated people since its discovery. While it doesn't have the ancient history of most gems, it does have a wealth of meanings associated with it. Alexandrite has long been considered an especially lucky stone, bringing good fortune and love to its wearers.
Alexandrite is connected to the crown chakra, opening us to the healing energies of the universe, and the heart chakra, helping us stay open to all our emotions. In addition to attracting good fortune and love, the stone is said to promote good health and healing. It's also believed to strengthen intuition, enhance creativity, and support self-esteem.
Alexandrite is connected to the crown chakra, opening us to the healing energies of the universe, and the heart chakra, helping us stay open to all our emotions. In addition to attracting good fortune and love, the stone is said to promote good health and healing. It's also believed to strengthen intuition, enhance creativity, and support self-esteem.
As a duochrome gem, Alexandrite is credited with promoting balance. If you're seeking a healthier work-life balance, try wearing Alexandrite as a support stone. The gem is also said to support decision-making, by allowing us to see both sides of an issue. Try meditating with Alexandrite to remember that, like the gem itself, you, too, are a rare beauty! Alexandrite is a birthstone for June and for the zodiac signs Gemini and Cancer. It's also an alternate gem for the 55th anniversary.
Since ancient times, humans have associated gemstones with healing properties and spiritual significance.
The pull to attach special significance to gemstones continues in modern times, with the designation in 1912 of birthstones for each month by the American National Association of Jewelers. Whether you choose a stone for its time-honored symbolism, its connection to your birth month, or simply its color, it’s fun to learn about these traditional meanings.
Alexandrite – gemstone knowledge
Alexandrite was named for Russia's future emperor Alexander II, as the stone was said to have been discovered on his birthday in 1830. The gem is a rare variety of the mineral Chrysoberyl. It's famed for its ability to appear green in natural light and purple or red in artificial light.
Alexandrite – gemstone knowledge
Alexandrite was named for Russia's future emperor Alexander II, as the stone was said to have been discovered on his birthday in 1830. The gem is a rare variety of the mineral Chrysoberyl. It's famed for its ability to appear green in natural light and purple or red in artificial light.
The color shift in Alexandrite can vary greatly. In sunlight it can be almost Emerald-colored, blue-green, or more of a yellow green. In artificial light, the stone glows with purple to purplish-red tones. The color shift can be distinct or more gradual.
HAVERHILL Alexandrites are sustainably grown in a lab, which mimics their formation in nature. They share all the chemical, physical, and optical properties of naturally mined Alexandrites, with outstanding color and excellent durability. We love sustainably grown Alexandrites because they're gentle on the earth and are beautifully consistent in their duochrome radiance.
HAVERHILL Alexandrites are sustainably grown in a lab, which mimics their formation in nature. They share all the chemical, physical, and optical properties of naturally mined Alexandrites, with outstanding color and excellent durability. We love sustainably grown Alexandrites because they're gentle on the earth and are beautifully consistent in their duochrome radiance.
Alexandrite was first discovered in an Emerald mine in Russia's Ural Mountains in 1830. According to legend, a miner found some stones and brought them back to camp, believing they were Emeralds. At night, though, by the fire's glow, the miner was astonished to see that the stones now appeared almost red! In the morning, by daylight, they were green again -- and the miner knew he had stumbled upon a new and unusual gem.
As red and green were the military colors of imperial Russia, Alexandrite soon became known as the country's national stone. For years, Alexandrite was found only in the Ural Mountains, but the gem was discovered later in Sri Lanka, India, and Brazil.
As red and green were the military colors of imperial Russia, Alexandrite soon became known as the country's national stone. For years, Alexandrite was found only in the Ural Mountains, but the gem was discovered later in Sri Lanka, India, and Brazil.
Caring for your Alexandrite jewelry
Alexandrite is quite a hard stone, rating 8.5 on the Mohs hardness scale. In 1822 Friedrich Mohs created this scale to rate gemstones from 1 (softest) to 10 (exceptionally hard), based on their ability to withstand scratches. Be sure to store your Alexandrite jewelry in its jewelry pouch or box to keep the gem from being scratched by other stones.
Alexandrite's durability makes it perfect for everyday wear. You can wear your Alexandrite jewelry in the shower, while swimming, sleeping, and exercising. It's a stone that's meant to be lived in!
Maintain the beauty of your Alexandrite jewelry by keeping it clean. Use a non-abrasive jewelry cleaner or mild, dye-free dish soap and water. Let the jewelry soak in a small bowl for a few minutes, then brush gently with a soft toothbrush. Be sure to rinse it completely, and blot dry with a chamois cloth.
Alexandrite's durability makes it perfect for everyday wear. You can wear your Alexandrite jewelry in the shower, while swimming, sleeping, and exercising. It's a stone that's meant to be lived in!
Maintain the beauty of your Alexandrite jewelry by keeping it clean. Use a non-abrasive jewelry cleaner or mild, dye-free dish soap and water. Let the jewelry soak in a small bowl for a few minutes, then brush gently with a soft toothbrush. Be sure to rinse it completely, and blot dry with a chamois cloth.
Styling tips for Alexandrite
With its unique color-shifting appearance, Alexandrite is superbly suited to be worn on its own as a statement piece. It's remarkably versatile when worn with other gems, though!
Try pairing Alexandrite with Diamond or White Topaz for a classic, high-contrast look, or with Nantucket Blue Topaz for a softer accent.
Try pairing Alexandrite with Diamond or White Topaz for a classic, high-contrast look, or with Nantucket Blue Topaz for a softer accent.
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FAQ
Tradition says that wearing your birthstone is good luck, so if you're a June baby, it's a great choice for jewelry! Alexandrite is considered to be a very lucky stone in general, so it makes a wonderful gem for everybody. Try pairing it with Diamond or White Topaz for maximum contrast, or on its own for a bold duochrome look.
People wear gemstones for many reasons, not just because it’s the birthstone for the month they were born. You may choose to wear a stone because you feel a connection to the color, because its traditional meaning resonates with you, or because it reminds you of someone you love, such as a child, friend, or loved one who’s passed away. Jewelry is extremely personal and you should feel free to wear any gemstone that speaks to you.
Sustainably grown precious gems are genuine gemstones grown in a lab from a “seed” and are chemically, physically, and optically identical to naturally mined stones. These lab-grown gemstones have beautiful, consistent color and fewer inclusions than naturally mined stones. They're rated the same hardness on the Mohs scale.