The June birthstone alexandrite looks green in natural light and under artificial light turns a blue/purple color. Avoid any stones which show shades of brown under artificial lighting. Most alexandrite will be sold as 75% color change. Beware of anyone reputing to sell 100% as this is more likely to be a fake. The valuable of the stone is determined by the intensity of the color change.
We hope the following suggestions will help...
Alexandrite Jewelry
Jewelry may be purchased as a gift. Earrings, bracelets, pendants and rings are all available. Ask the jeweler if you may look at the piece in natural light to.
Alexandrite Cuff Links
For the men you are able to purchase cuff links and tie pins. Again check the color of the jewelry in both artificial and natural lighting. Jewelry makes an ideal June birthstone alexandrite gift for men.
Books With Alexandrite In The Title
Have a look for books with alexandrite in the title. 'Alexandrite: The Legend of a Siberian Stone' by Dimitri Svertchkoff may make interesting reading for anyone interested in the history and legends of their birthstone.
We hope this has given you some unique ideas for June birthstone alexandrite gifts. We have more gift suggestions on our birthstone and anniversary pages so please take a look.
Facts about Alexandrite
Alexandrite is a form of chrysoberyl. A mineral consisting of ordinary colorless or yellow transparent chrysoberyl, cymophane (chrysoberyl cat's eye) and alexandrite. Alexandrite is formed by the of the aluminum with chromium oxide. This gives the stone its characteristic property of changing from green to red under different lighting conditions.
Alexandrite from the Ural Mountains in Russia is green by daylight and red under artificial lighting. Other varieties of alexandrite may be yellowish or pink in daylight and changes to a blue or purple/red. The rarest and most desired color would be an emerald green to a purplish red. These rare alexandrite gems are some of the most expensive in the world.
The finest pieces of alexandrites have been found in the Ural Mountains. The largest of these being around the 30 carat (6 g) size. Larger examples of alexandrite have been found in Sri Lanka. In Indian, Brazil, Myanmar, and also Zimbabwe small stones have been found but with intense color change properties.