Alexandrite is an unusual stone. It can change color when the lighting changes. The daytime shade of the chameleon stone is blue or green, but under artificial light it turns into crimson.
The history of the imperial gem began a long time ago, but the stone received its familiar name only in the last century. A mysterious mineral, whose fate intersected with that of the Russian emperor, has healing and magical properties. Today you will learn about them and figure out who the alexandrite stone is suitable for according to the horoscope.
History of alexandrite
The history of the gem is no less interesting than its amazing properties of changing its color depending on the lighting. The first written mention of this stone was recorded in the ancient Indian epic “Mahabharata”. Back then it was called the “peacock's eye.”
The stone received its name in honor of Emperor Alexander II.
In our country, alexandrite became known much later. At the beginning of the 19th century, the mineral was discovered in the Ural Mountains, mistakenly mistaken for an emerald. However, the mistake was soon noticed. The Finnish mineralogist Nordenskiöld, who was in charge of the research site, saw how, next to a candle flame, the green color of the stone transformed into blood red.
Having reported his unusual find to St. Petersburg, Nordenskiöld handed over the gem to jeweler Perovsky for study. It was thanks to the latter that it received its name, which is actively used today. At first, the jeweler wanted to call the mineral diaphanite, but soon changed his mind. It was not destined to receive the name “stone with double brilliance.”
The birthday of the heir to the throne, the future Emperor Alexander II, was approaching. Therefore, Perovsky decided to present the crown prince with such a gift, naming the mineral in his honor. This is what influenced the fact that the stone received the fame of an elite gem, accessible only to very rich and noble people.
However, this status was soon spoiled. This happened during the First and Second World Wars. Then many wealthy women lost their husbands and sons. And since most of them had alexandrite in their boxes, a stupid superstition soon arose that jewelry with this stone would bring bad luck.
Alexandrite stone is often called the “widow’s stone”, “stone of loneliness”. The names speak for themselves. For a long time, jewelry with the chameleon mineral was associated with loss. Some even believed that he could predict the death of a loved one. Now fashionistas practically do not pay attention to these prejudices, purchasing alexandrite for its beauty and unusual property of changing color.
Properties and meaning
Its unique features have not left it unnoticed in terms of studying its properties. It is customary to highlight magical characteristics and healing features. Extraordinary duality and color changes definitely attract good luck - so say soothsayers and astrologers.
People who are unlucky in various situations should try alexandrite - it will clearly find a common language with fortune.
Miners in Ceylon consider its depth and transparency a symbol of longevity and prosperity. There will be no obstacles on the road for the one who wears alexandrite and all life’s failures will pass by. Hindus associate the changeable color with its supernatural abilities to influence a person's destiny.
According to magicians, with its color schemes it signals the mood of the owner, and can also signal upcoming changes - good or bad. In the eyes of Europeans, it is a symbol of good luck and wealth.
The healing properties are associated with the cardiovascular system and hematopoiesis. Patients who have problems with blood pressure and diseases of the blood system are also recommended to wear alexandrite. It can give cheerfulness, relieve fatigue and relieve depression.
Where is Alexandrite mined?
In addition to Russia, the mineral alexandrite is also mined abroad. In particular, in the following states:
- India;
- Brazil;
- Burma;
- Sri Lanka;
- Zimbabwe;
- Tanzania.
Chameleon stone is not mined in all countries of the world.
Alexandrite of natural origin is very rare. This is what influenced its price. Not everyone can afford jewelry with such a stone. However, in the territories of the above countries, the highest quality gemstone is mined.
The largest sample found in Russia was 535 carats (translated into a weight that is more understandable to us - about 107 grams). Among the foreign nuggets, a specimen of 1870 carats (equal to 374 grams) was discovered.
Why is alexandrite worn in pairs?
The stone has contradictory qualities and can bring both good luck and misfortune to its owner. He does not tolerate loneliness. Therefore, it is recommended to wear alexandrite in pairs so as not to harm or disrupt the harmony of life.
A single stone can become a magnet that attracts various types of illness, misfortune, or even the death of a spouse. To avoid such misfortunes, you should wear two or three pieces of alexandrite jewelry, such as earrings and a ring or bracelet. A single mineral can only be worn by a widow as a sign of mourning.
Varieties of mineral
Without knowing what this “chameleon” is, it is very easy to stumble upon a fake. Before buying products with alexandrite, understand what distinctive properties it has:
- the color of alexandrite in daylight ranges from blue to green shades;
- when in a room where lamps are turned on or candles are lit, the gem changes its color to a blood-crimson color.
This is general information to help distinguish an artificial alexandrite stone from a real one. But it is a mineral found in several varieties. Each of them has its own differences depending on the deposit.
Alexandrite changes its color depending on the lighting.
For example:
- The Ural species is recognized as the mineral with the most beautiful color palette. In artificial light it appears purple or violet.
- Brazilian. It has smoother transitions between colors compared to the bright contrasts of the Ural mineral.
- The Indian gem plays green-blue hues in daytime color.
- The color of stone mined in Sri Lanka appears duller in sunlight and has a brownish tint.
Classification by place of production
Raw materials are mined in different parts of the world, and in each mine the stones are special:
- The best in the world are Ural alexandrites: blue with green tints during the day, crimson in the evening, shimmering with purple. Olive-brown specimens are also found. The primary deposits have been exhausted, and only a few finds have been found.
- Crystals from Brazil, Madagascar, Africa - green with a brown tint during the day, dark red in the evening, shimmering with burgundy.
- Sri Lanka produces bluish-green nuggets with purple tints. The world's number one supplier.
Brazil is famous for its large alexandrites, but there are few of them.
Earrings with alexandrite
Alexandrite, sapphire, diamond, ruby, emerald are the five most expensive.
| Property | Description |
| Formula | Al2BeO4 |
| Color | In daylight: dark blue-green, bluish green, dark grass green, olive green. In evening or artificial light: pink-crimson, red-violet, purple. |
| Shine | Glass |
| Transparency | Transparent, translucent |
| Hardness | 8,5 |
| Cleavage | Imperfect |
| Kink | Conchoidal |
| Density | 3.5-3.84 g/cm³ |
Healing properties of the stone
Lithotherapists confirm the healing properties of alexandrite and advise using this mineral to get rid of various ailments and diseases.
Experts say that the properties of alexandrite stone are best manifested in the daytime. It is for this reason that it is recommended to use it during the day. At night it is better to let the stone rest. If a person is seriously ill, constantly wearing the stone will cause the amulet to stop working.
What beneficial properties does the imperial gem have:
- cleanses blood vessels, helps fight varicose veins;
- improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
- treats the nervous system - relieves stress and insomnia;
- helps get rid of alcohol addiction;
- improves mood and performance;
- protects against skin diseases;
- supports the functioning of the pancreas.
To get out of constant drinking bouts, you need to drink water infused with chameleon stone. Place the pendant in a glass of water overnight, and in the morning drink this liquid before breakfast. Repeat the procedure until you feel relief.
Long-term wearing of minerals is considered undesirable. But everywhere there are exceptions. In the case when a person greatly needs what a stone can give him, he is allowed to do the following:
Only natural alexandrite has healing properties.
- You can wear alexandrite all day and night, leaving the jewelry in spring water for several hours every day. This will cleanse the talisman of the negativity that it has absorbed.
- If it is not possible to use living water, replace it with salt. This is a more powerful absorbent of negative energy, so it is not necessary to use it every day. Carry the pebble for a whole week, leaving it one night in a pile of salt on a plate.
Remember that all of the listed positive properties are characteristic of a natural mineral. Artificial substitutes, such as Czochralski alexandarite, do not have these properties. There is nothing to say about glass gems. Be careful when purchasing so as not to waste a fair amount of money!
Synthetic and natural alexandrite
Unfortunately, this is a fairly rare stone. In the Urals, its deposits have been depleted. Currently, the main production takes place on the islands of Sri Lanka and Madagascar, as well as in countries such as Thailand, Tanzania and India. There are also small deposits in Brazil. Experts tend to believe that the most valuable stones are those found in the Urals.
The high cost and rarity of the mineral leads to the fact that jewelry stores are increasingly selling products with artificial stones. Innovative technologies have moved so far forward that experienced and qualified specialists are synthesizing alexandrite and creating its artificial analogues.
Magical properties of Alexandrite
The magical properties of alexandrite make it an indispensable companion for anyone who is in a difficult period of life and needs help.
Among the most useful magical properties of the mineral are the following:
- assistance in finding inner harmony;
- gaining strength to deal with life's difficulties;
- development of creative abilities;
- foreseeing key life turns;
- good luck in gambling and financial activities;
- strengthening internal confidence in one’s capabilities;
- increasing vigor and performance.
Alexandrite is called the prophet stone. It is believed that it is able to warn about important events and unplanned changes in life. It also warns of impending troubles - at such moments the mineral begins to glow with golden hues.
Jewelry with this gem can improve your mood and perfectly replenish vital energy. But they should be worn with caution, because in some cultures the mineral is considered a talisman for lovers, and in others it is a stone of jealousy.
The negative property of alexandrite is that it can repeatedly enhance the emotions experienced by its owner. This means that the owner of such a talisman will have to learn to control his thoughts and words.
But for those with a choleric temperament, it is better not to wear such talismans, because self-control is difficult for them. Therefore, alexandrite is not recommended for fire signs of the zodiac.
Name compatibility
Alexandrite is most suitable for people who have names similar to it. The gem greatly enhances the power of the name, providing worthy support to its owner.
- Alexandra. Frequent mood swings and unstable character are perfectly calmed by the magical power of the stone. It brings the necessary harmony, calms in moments of outbursts of temper and gives cheerfulness in a state of despondency.
- Alexander. The general emotional background of a male name generally corresponds to a female one, so the stone has a similar calming effect on men. In addition, it will help you make the right decision, attracting financial well-being, and make you more open in relationships. The stone will warn of danger by changing color.
- Lyudmila. Women with this name are characterized by excessive emotionality, which can lead to rash actions. A talisman with alexandrite will calm a storm of emotions, allowing you to remove obstacles and attract good luck to your life.
Alexandrite will be an ideal amulet for any person, capable of withstanding his powerful energy and enormous inner strength. The gem will bring good luck to people with persistent character and strong will.
Who is alexandrite stone suitable for according to their zodiac sign?
Selecting a stone based on intuitive feelings is good. But what should those who don’t have much intuition do? Trusting the first seller you come across is not the best decision, because he is too interested in selling his goods.
In this case, all that remains is to trust the specialists who compiled the compatibility according to the horoscope.
Astrologers do not recommend wearing alexandrite stone to Aries and Sagittarius.
The meaning of alexandrite stone for zodiac signs will be as follows:
- Aquarius . The gem helps this air sign to sharpen their intuitive perception of the world and promotes creative development.
- Scorpion . It helps Scorpios realize their dreams, overcoming any difficulties on the way to their goal.
- Twins . For twins, this amulet will become a protector of peace of mind.
- A lion . The mineral will help these regal and ambitious natures reach new heights in their careers and cool their excessive temper.
It is these signs that the alexandrite talisman will bring the greatest benefit. It is especially useful for water signs. Not only for Aquarius and Scorpio, but also for Pisces . But fire signs, with the exception of Leo, are better off not wearing such an amulet.
How to distinguish natural alexandrite from artificial
Natural alexandrite costs a lot, and therefore manufacturers are trying in every possible way to deceive buyers. To increase profits, they not only sell artificial alexandrite, but also replace the widow's stone with a cheap material like glass.
Feel free to leave decorations on the counter if they do not show signs of a chameleon.
To distinguish a natural mineral from a fake, it is important to know what alexandrite stone looks like and understand its features:
- Artificial minerals, like glass, do not change color when lighting changes. Feel free to leave decorations on the counter if they do not show signs of a chameleon.
- Previously, the original was replaced with corundum. This is due to the fact that its price is much cheaper. It is not difficult to recognize a fake - under artificial light, corundum acquires a bright yellow tint.
- In addition to corundum, the imperial gem was often replaced with artificially grown spinel. A distinctive feature of spinel is the appearance of a violet tone under artificial lighting conditions.
- There are also fakes made of andalusite on the market. This mineral is not capable of changing color, but it can produce rainbow shades when the viewing angle changes.
The cost of alexandrite is not a guarantee of its quality. Therefore, you should not choose the most expensive sample on the market, hoping that it will not turn out to be a fake. If you doubt that you can correctly determine the authenticity of a mineral, call a specialist with you. A mineralogist will help you choose a real stone, avoiding unnecessary expenses and disappointment.
How to determine the authenticity of a stone?
The huge price of the nugget creates the precondition for replacing natural alexandrite with synthetic one. They learned to synthesize an artificial mineral from a mixture of aluminum oxide and beryllium back in the 19th century. The grown stone has the property of a natural analogue to change colors from joyful green, meaning life, to blood red, breathing danger and mystery at night. The cost of such a crystal is lower than a natural one, but it is impossible to distinguish it from a natural one by eye. Artificial alexandrite retains the property of changing color with different lighting, but the transition from natural to artificial light does not give such a clear picture as natural. Another difference is the different inclusions and areas of cloudiness found in natural stone.
It is possible to determine the authenticity of an alexandrite gemstone only with the help of equipment, conducting a spectral analysis and carefully studying all the properties.
