Alexandrite is a type of chrysoberyl, a hard durable stone particularly suitable for use in jewellery. Alexandrite was found in

Alexandrite is a  type of chrysoberyl, a hard durable stone particularly suitable for use in jewellery. Alexandrite was found in Stock Photo
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Image details

Contributor:

Derek Anderson / Alamy Stock Photo

Image ID:

EHNXAW

File size:

41.8 MB (541.8 KB Compressed download)

Releases:

Model - no | Property - yesDo I need a release?

Dimensions:

4682 x 3121 px | 39.6 x 26.4 cm | 15.6 x 10.4 inches | 300dpi

Date taken:

7 March 2013

Location:

United Kingdom

More information:

Alexandrite is a type of chrysoberyl, a hard durable stone particularly suitable for use in jewellery. Alexandrite was found in the Ural Mountains of Russia, on the birthday of Czar Alexander II in 1834 and named after him. Alexandrite changes colour from green in daylight to red, mauve or brown under incandescent light and is the most famous and popular of all colour changing gemstones. Alexandrite forms when aluminum and beryllium combine with trace elements such as iron, titanium and chromium (which causes the color change). The odds of the rare element chromium being in the right place to combine with aluminum and beryllium under exactly the right conditions to create Alexandrite is what makes Alexandrite so rare and valuable. Alexandrite is an alternative birthstone for June and is also used to commemorate 45th and 55th wedding anniversaries. Weight: 8.38 carats, rectangular cushion cut. Origin: Russia Crystal structure: orthorhombic Composition: beryllium aluminium oxide Mohs hardness: 8.5