Why is alexandrite so rare?

Alexandrite is the rarest gemstone in the world, moreover its rarity is enhanced by the “changing colour” feature, according to the light. Presently, alexandrite's deposits are not huge and the Urals' deposits are depleted. However, alexandrite preserves a strong link with Russia thanks to its origin.

Why is alexandrite valuable?

First, the closer the colors to pure green and red, the higher the value. Second, the more distinct the color change, the higher the value. Alexandrites can exhibit everything from 100% to just 5% color change. Thus, the most valuable gems would have a 100% color shift from pure green to pure red.

Is real alexandrite rare?

The natural alexandrite is recognized as an extremely rare and hard to find gemstone. Its distinguishing characteristic is the color change phenomenon, varying from a greenish blue in daylight to a reddish purple in incandescent light.

What's special about alexandrite?

Alexandrite is an extraordinary gemstone that appears green or red dependent on the light it is observed under. This colour change effect is sometimes referred to as the 'alexandrite effect'. The rarity of this material and its chameleon-like qualities make alexandrite one of the world's most desirable gemstones.

When did alexandrite become rare?

Although the Russian mines were depleted by the late 1890s, no new sources of alexandrite were discovered until 1987. Though this new Brazilian discovery could not compete with the history of Tsarist Russia, the grade of stones coming out of South America's mines were in fact superior in color saturation.

Alexandrite: Phenomenal gemstones explained. What makes Alexandrite a unique and amazing gemstone?

Why does June have 3 birthstones?

Why does June have 3 birthstones? The main reason why some months have multiple birthstones is because various ancient stones have become too rare, so it is less likely for them to be available on the market and to satisfy consumer needs.

What is the rarest gemstone?

Painite : Not just the rarest gemstone, but also the rarest mineral on earth, Painite holds the Guinness World Record for it. After its discovery in the year 1951, there existed only 2 specimens of Painite for the next many decades. By the year 2004, there were less than 2 dozens known gemstones.

Is alexandrite rarer than diamonds?

Though the discovery of alexandrite in Brazil and various other locations has expanded its availability, it still remains rarer than other gemstones, like diamonds. Alexandrite and Diamond ring by AG Gems.

Can alexandrite be pink?

Alexandrite can also change yellowish or pink colors and few rare specimens exhibit what is known as cat's eye when its cut en cabochon.

How can I tell if alexandrite is real?

If your stone is larger than a carat and has no inclusions, it's almost certainly a synthetic. A gemologist can tell you for sure after examining the stone under the microscope and conducting a simple test of its optical properties, called a refractive index test. .

Can alexandrite be purple?

In natural and fluorescent light, alexandrite can range from green to greenish blue, but under incandescent or candle light, it can appear purple to purplish red.

Is lab created Alexandrite real?

Although synthetic gemstones are created in a lab, they have the same optical and physical properties as their mined counterparts. They grow from the same chemical ingredients under the same conditions as natural gems, only at an accelerated rate. Lab-created alexandrites are real alexandrites.

Is alexandrite a good investment?

Since its discovery, Alexandrite has steadily gone up in price. In the last 5 years, Alexandrite has gone up 15% per year! Compare that to the 5 year average total return for large growth equity funds at 13%. Alexandrite has a long history that has made it the secret investment for the world's billionaires.

How much does a 1 carat alexandrite cost?

The price of Alexandrite can vary from significantly from $10,000 per carat to over $50,000 per carat depending on my factors. For example, 1 Carat Size Alexandrites significantly differ in price depending on origin, clarity, and degree of color change from $3,000 per carat up to $20,000 per carat.

What color is real alexandrite?

Alexandrite is the color-change variety of the mineral chrysoberyl. Alexandrite is bluish green in daylight or fluorescent light. Alexandrite is purplish red in incandescent light or candlelight.

Is alexandrite still being mined?

Alexandrite is now mined in parts of Africa, Brazil, and Sri Lanka although the gem is still extremely rare and valuable. Most large scale alexandrite gemstones are found in antique Russian period pieces from the Victorian era.

Is alexandrite a sapphire?

Synthetic color change sapphires may look like alexandrite stones, but in terms of their structure, they are nothing alike. That's because alexandrite is a variety of the chrysoberyl mineral and is not a sapphire, which is a completely different mineral.

Does fake alexandrite change color?

Most gemstones described as synthetic alexandrite are actually simulated alexandrite: Synthetic corundum laced with vanadium to produce the color change.

Does alexandrite scratch easily?

A hard gem, one resistant to scratching, can be quite brittle. Resistance to breaking or chipping would be called toughness. Unfortunately, there is not a gemological scale for toughness. Nonetheless, alexandrite is hard, but only above average in toughness, which means it can be chipped.

What is the rarest gemstone in the world 2020?

What stone is worth more than a diamond?

There are many gems that are more valuable than diamonds. Emeralds, sapphires, rubies, garnets, and alexandrite, just to name a few.

Is alexandrite good for daily wear?

Alexandrite is relatively hard—8.5 on the Mohs scale. It has excellent toughness and no cleavage, which is a tendency to break when struck. This makes it a good choice for rings and other mountings subject to daily wear.

What is the oldest known gemstone?

Zircon is the oldest mineral on Earth, dating back more than 4.4 billion years. Found in the Earth's crust, it's common in most sand and sedimentary deposits, as well as metamorphic rocks and crystallized magma.

What is the most beautiful gemstone?

Jadeite. Jadeite ranks near the top of a list of one of the most valuable gemstones in the world. This gemstone is jade's most expensive, most beautiful variety. Since this deep green translucent gem is significantly rarer than other types of jade, it is worth much more.

What is the rarest gemstone 2022?

In 2022 it's a blue diamond costing nearly $4 million per carat, besting the previous holder, a Pink Star diamond a $1.2 million per carat. Other most expensive gemstones are as follows: Blue Diamond – $3.93 million per carat. Musgravite – $35,000 per carat.