Russian Alexandrite: Properties, Benefits & Meanings
Russian Alexandrite Overview
Russian Alexandrite is a variety of chrysoberyl that displays the beautiful color shift from green to red, blue, and purple. It’s a relatively new gemstone that has taken the gemstone community by storm.
Its beauty, luster, and extraordinary properties make it one of the best gemstones in the market. It relates to the third eye chakra and represents royalty, pride, and wisdom. This article will take a look into the properties, meanings, and uses of the Russian Alexandrite gemstone.
What Is Russian Alexandrite?
Russian Alexandrite is a variety of Alexandrite that is mined in Russia. Alexandrite is a beautiful stone known for its unique ability to change colors depending on the lighting conditions.
Russian Alexandrite is typically blue-green in natural daylight and red in incandescent light. This distinctive quality is what gives Russian Alexandrite its true charm. Not only is it extremely rare, expensive, and beautiful, but it also has interesting properties that enthrall customers.
Appearance
Russian Alexandrite is a highly prized gemstone for its unique color-changing ability. In natural daylight, it appears a blue-green color, while in artificial light, it appears red, i.e., they exhibit dual colors.
The intensity and hue of the dual colors can vary depending on the specific stone, but high-quality alexandrites show vibrant colors. Russian Alexandrite is also known for its clarity and brilliance, which makes it a popular choice for jewelry.
Where to find Russian Alexandrite?
Russian Alexandrite is a relatively rare gemstone, and alexandrite deposits are typically found in the Ural Mountains of Russia, where it was first discovered. You can also find it in other parts of the world, such as Brazil, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania.
Because Russian Alexandrite is a valuable gemstone, it is often sold by jewelers and gemstone dealers. You can also find it at gem and mineral shows, as well as online through websites that specialize in selling gemstones.
It is important to note that many imitations and synthetic versions exist. So, it is important to buy from a reputable source to ensure that you are getting a genuine stone. A certified gemologist can also help you verify the authenticity of a Russian Alexandrite.
Physical properties
Russian Alexandrite is a type of chrysoberyl, a mineral that is composed of beryllium, aluminum, and oxygen. This gemstone has a rating of 8.5 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable gemstone that is resistant to scratches and other forms of damage. It has a specific gravity of 3.73, which means it is dense and heavy for its size.
Russian Alexandrite is a transparent gemstone, and it is cut into different shapes and sizes for use in jewelry. It is often used in rings, earrings, and pendants. Alexandrite specimens are also sometimes used in high-end watches and other luxury items.
| Mineral Group | Chrysoberyl |
| Formula | BeAl2O4 |
| Color | Greenish Blue, Red |
| Hardness (Mohs scale) | 8.5 |
| Refractive Index | 1.739 – 1.770 |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic |
| Fluorescence | Weak red |
| Transparency | Transparent, Translucent |
How to tell if Russian Alexandrite is real?
You can tell if a Russian alexandrite is real through a few different methods that are discussed below.
- Professional: One of the best methods is to take the stone to a certified gemologist. A gemologist can use a variety of tools and techniques to determine the authenticity of the stone.
- Color Change: Another way to tell if a Russian alexandrite is real is to look at its color-changing ability. Natural Alexandrite will change from a beautiful green color in natural daylight to red in artificial light. If the stone does not change colors, or if the color change is not distinct, it is likely not a natural alexandrite.
- Clarity: Additionally, you can also look at the clarity and brilliance of the stone. Natural Russian Alexandrite is known for its clarity and shine. However, a notable characteristic of synthetic Alexandrites is the lack of any inclusions. Make sure to look for this when buying one.
Cost and price
Alexandrite is an expensive gemstone. The price of Russian Alexandrite is determined by various factors, including its size, color, clarity, and overall quality.
- Size: Larger stones are worth more on the open market. Due to the rarity, labor cost, and difficulty of finding and processing a large Alexandrite stone, its price per carat rises significantly as its size and weight increase.
- Color: Stones with more intense color-changing ability will typically be more valuable than smaller stones or stones with less intense color-changing power. Furthermore, gemstones having strong colors that are not interrupted by blemishes will be worth more.
- Clarity: The clarity of the stone is also important in determining its value. Russian Alexandrite that is free of inclusions and flaws will be more valuable than cloudy stones or visible imperfections.
- Quality: The stone’s overall quality is also a factor in determining its price. Stones that are cut and polished to enhance their color-changing ability and overall appearance will typically be more valuable than poorly cut or finished stones.
- Rarity: Finally, the rarity of the stone can also affect its price. Russian Alexandrite is a relatively rare gemstone, and high-quality gemstones can be quite valuable, with prices reaching thousands of dollars per carat for the finest specimens.
Chakra connection
In the practice of crystal healing, different gemstones are believed to be associated with different chakras, or energy centers, in the body.
Russian Alexandrite is believed to be connected to the third eye chakra. This chakra is associated with intuition, creativity, and imagination. It is located between your eyebrows and is said to govern your ability to focus on inner visions or insights.
Some crystal healers also believe that Russian Alexandrite can help improve intuition and spiritual connection, which is sometimes used in meditation and other spiritual practices. They believe that you can use this stone to enhance your intuition and improve your mental clarity.
However, it is important to note that the use of gemstones for healing is not supported by scientific evidence and should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment.
Meaning and uses
In the practice of crystal healing, Russian Alexandrite is believed to have a number of metaphysical uses.
- It is said to be connected to the third eye chakra and is believed to have a calming and soothing effect on emotions.
- Some people also use it to help improve intuition and spiritual connection.
- Russian Alexandrite is also believed to have a number of physical healing properties.
- It is said to be helpful for conditions related to the heart, such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
- It is also believed to help with digestive disorders and boost the immune system.
- Some people also use it for its energy-balancing properties.
- It is said to help balance the chakras and to promote a sense of overall well-being.
How to clean Russian alexandrite jewelry?
Russian Alexandrite is a durable gemstone, but it still needs to be cared for properly to maintain its beauty and shine.
- You can use warm water and mild soap to clean your jewelry.
- Mix a small amount of mild soap with warm water, and use a soft cloth or brush to clean the jewelry gently.
- Avoid using abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the surface of the gemstone.
- After cleaning the jewelry, rinse it thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue.
- Dry the jewelry with a soft cloth, and avoid exposing it to extreme heat or chemicals, as these can damage the gemstone.
- To keep your jewelry looking its best, it is also important to store it properly. Store it in a soft cloth or a protective jewelry box, and avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or harsh light.
- Avoid storing it next to other jewelry that could scratch or damage it. With proper care, your Russian alexandrite jewelry will continue to sparkle and shine
FAQ
What gems go best with Russian Alexandrite?
Russian Alexandrite is a beautiful and unique gemstone, and it can be paired with a variety of other gems to create stunning jewelry. Some gems that go well with it include rubies, sapphires, and emeralds.
Rubies and sapphires are also good choices to pair with Russian Alexandrite. The deep red of rubies can complement the red hue of the Alexandrite in artificial light, while the blue of sapphires can enhance the green hue of the Alexandrite in natural light.
Emeralds, another type of beryl like Alexandrite, are also good to pair with Alexandrite. The similar colors and properties of the two gems can create a cohesive and elegant look. Other green stones can be used instead of emeralds.
Ultimately, the best gemstones to pair with Russian Alexandrite will depend on your style and the specific piece of jewelry you are creating. Experiment with different combinations to find the perfect match for your Alexandrite.
What is Russian Alexandrite good for?
Russian Alexandrite is a beautiful and versatile gemstone prized for its unique properties and beauty.
It is said to be connected to the heart chakra and is believed to have a calming and soothing effect on emotions.
Furthermore, it is often used in jewelry, such as rings, earrings, and pendants. It is also sometimes used in high-end watches and other luxury items.
How rare is Russian Alexandrite?
Russian Alexandrite is considered to be one of the rarest gemstones. It was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s and named after Tsar Alexander II. Since its discovery, it has been found in other parts of the world, such as Brazil, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania.
The rarity of Russian Alexandrite can also vary depending on the specific quality of the stone. For example, stones with a more intense color-changing ability or larger size may be considered rare and, therefore, more valuable.
It is best to consult with a certified gemologist to get an idea of the rarity of a specific Alexandrite.
