One precious gemstone that is particularly fascinating is the alexandrite. This unique gemstone is known for its incredible colour-changing properties, which can range from a bluish-green hue in natural daylight to a reddish-purple shade in artificial light.
Alexandrite was first discovered in Russia in the 1830s and was named after Alexander II, who was the future Tsar of Russia at the time. It quickly gained popularity among the Russian elite, who prized it for its rarity and unusual colour-changing abilities.
What makes alexandrite so special is its unique chemical composition. It is a form of chrysoberyl, but it contains trace amounts of chromium, which is responsible for its colour-changing properties. When exposed to different types of light, the chromium atoms in the crystal lattice absorb different wavelengths of light, causing the gemstone to appear in different colours.
Alexandrite is a highly prized gemstone today, and it is quite rare and expensive. It is found in only a few locations around the world, including Russia, Brazil, and Sri Lanka. Its rarity and incredible colour-changing abilities make it a highly sought-after gemstone among collectors and jewellery enthusiasts.
