Description
Russian alexandrite holds a special place in the world of gemstones due to its historical significance and exceptional quality. Here’s a description of Russian alexandrite:
Origin: As the name suggests, Russian alexandrite hails from the Ural Mountains in Russia, where it was first discovered in the early 1830s. This region was the primary source of this precious gemstone during its early days of exploration. Today, genuine Russian alexandrite is extremely rare and highly prized among gemstone collectors.
Color: Russian alexandrite is renowned for its outstanding color-changing properties, which are more pronounced and vivid compared to many other sources of the gemstone. In daylight or fluorescent light, it usually displays a beautiful bluish-green or teal hue, reminiscent of the color of fine quality emeralds. However, under incandescent light or candlelight, it undergoes a striking transformation, revealing shades of raspberry-red, purplish-red, or even a deep ruby-red.
Color Change: The allure of Russian alexandrite lies in the intensity and distinctness of its color change. The transition between green and red hues is known to be particularly sharp and pronounced, creating a truly mesmerizing effect.
Clarity: High-quality Russian alexandrite often exhibits good clarity, meaning it has minimal to no visible inclusions when viewed with the naked eye. However, due to the rarity of this gemstone, some inclusions may be present, but they are generally tolerated as long as they do not significantly impact the stone’s beauty or durability.
Cut: Skilled lapidaries carefully cut Russian alexandrite to maximize its color-changing potential while creating a well-proportioned and aesthetically pleasing gem. A well-cut alexandrite enhances the play of colors and brilliance, making it even more captivating to the eye.
Size and Rarity: Genuine Russian alexandrite of larger sizes is exceptionally rare, and as with most gemstones, the larger the stone, the more valuable it becomes. Due to its limited supply and historical significance, large, high-quality Russian alexandrite gems are highly sought after by collectors and can command premium prices in the market.
Historical Significance: Russian alexandrite’s association with Russian royalty adds to its allure and mystique. The gemstone was named after Tsar Alexander II and became a symbol of imperial elegance and prestige during the 19th century.
Due to its rarity and historical significance, authentic Russian alexandrite is considered one of the most desirable and valuable gemstones in the world. While other sources of alexandrite exist, Russian alexandrite remains the benchmark for excellence in terms of color change and overall quality, making it a prized possession for gem connoisseurs and collectors alike.
