

In Brazil, Alexandrite is found in association with other minerals such as hematite, magnetite, and corundum. The primary host rocks in Sri Lanka are pegmatites, which are coarse-grained igneous rocks that are rich in minerals such as feldspar and quartz. In Sri Lanka, Alexandrite is typically found in alluvial deposits that have been eroded from the surrounding rocks. The primary host rock is a biotite gneiss, which is a metamorphic rock that has been subjected to high temperature and pressure conditions. In the Ural Mountains of Russia, Alexandrite is found in association with other minerals such as biotite mica, plagioclase feldspar, and orthoclase feldspar.

It is typically found in metamorphic rocks, particularly those formed from mica, feldspar, and quartz. Alexandrite associations with other minerals and rocksĪlexandrite is a variety of chrysoberyl, which is a mineral composed of beryllium, aluminum, and oxygen. High-quality stones with a strong and distinct color change, good clarity, and well-defined crystal structure are highly prized by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts. In East Africa, the deposits in Tanzania and Zambia have produced some of the largest and most valuable Alexandrite stones in recent years.ĭespite being found in several locations around the world, Alexandrite remains a relatively rare gemstone. Madagascar has also become an important source of Alexandrite in recent years, with stones that are known for their intense color change and good clarity. In Brazil, the most significant source of Alexandrite is the Hematita mine in Minas Gerais. Sri Lanka produces some of the highest quality Alexandrite, with stones that exhibit a strong and distinct color change. Today, Alexandrite is also found in other locations around the world, including Sri Lanka, East Africa, Brazil, and Madagascar. The Russian deposits, particularly those in the mines of Ekaterinburg and Tokovaya, were the primary source of Alexandrite for many years and produced some of the finest and most valuable stones. The first and most famous source of Alexandrite was the Ural Mountains in Russia, where it was first discovered in the 1830s. The most valuable Alexandrite stones are those with a strong and distinct color change, as well as those with good clarity and a well-defined crystal structure. The stone is also relatively rare, which makes it highly prized by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts. The intensity of the color change depends on the quality and clarity of the stone.Īlexandrite has a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable gemstone suitable for jewelry. In daylight or fluorescent light, Alexandrite appears green, while in incandescent light, it appears red or purple. The color-changing property of Alexandrite is due to its ability to absorb different wavelengths of light depending on the type of light source. The largest deposits of Alexandrite are found in Russia, Sri Lanka, East Africa, Brazil, and Madagascar. The mineral is typically found in association with other minerals such as mica, feldspar, and quartz. The unique color-changing property of Alexandrite is due to the presence of trace amounts of chromium in the crystal structure of the gemstone.Īlexandrite is formed in metamorphic rocks under high temperature and pressure conditions. Alexandrite Alexandrite formation and characteristicsĪlexandrite is a variety of chrysoberyl, which is a mineral composed of beryllium, aluminum, and oxygen. Due to its rarity and unique properties, Alexandrite is highly prized by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts. Today, Alexandrite is also found in Sri Lanka, East Africa, Brazil, and Madagascar. The intensity of the color change depends on the quality and clarity of the stone. The color change occurs due to the presence of chromium in the crystal structure of the gemstone, which absorbs different wavelengths of light depending on the type of light source. Alexandrite is known for its unique color-changing property, where it appears green in daylight or fluorescent light and red or purple in incandescent light. It was first discovered in 1830 in the Ural Mountains of Russia and was named after Czar Alexander II. Alexandrite grading (Color, Clarity, Cut, Carat weight)Īlexandrite is a rare gemstone that belongs to the chrysoberyl family.Alexandrite gemstone evaluation and grading based on geologic factors.Alexandrite physical and optical properties.Major Alexandrite mining locations worldwide.Alexandrite associations with other minerals and rocks.Alexandrite formation and characteristics.
