June birthstone
June birthstone, the birthstone for june is Alexandrite, Alexandrite is a variety of chrysoberyl, which ideally shows a distinct colour change from green in fluorescent light or daylight to red in incandescent light.
June birthstone
Varieties
A very small amount of alexandrite shows a cat’s eye effect (chatoyancy).
Sources
Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Soviet Russia, Brazil, Zimbabwe – Rhodesia, Burma.
Toughness
Excellent
History
Alexandrite received its name because it was discovered on the birthday of
Czar Alexander II of Russia in 1830. Red and green are also the colours of the Russian Imperial Guard.
Cuts & Uses
Alexandrite is usually faceted. Chrysoberyl cat’s eyes must be cut en cabochon to display a chatoyant effect.
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Thanks for the article. Alexandrite is a fascinating gem. There are some more great pictures of alexandrite at http://www.directorygemstones.org/Alexandrite/ and http://www.wildfishgems.com/alexandrite?b=1.
Alexandrite is so intresting. And this gem is also my birthstone its a very beautiful gem!!!