The name “Alexandrite” is a tribute to its connection with Russian aristocracy and the mineral’s discovery in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the early 19th century. This extraordinary gemstone was named after Tsar Alexander II of Russia, who was known for his progressive policies during his reign.

Alexandrite is a fascinating gemstone that exhibits color-changing properties. It primarily displays shades of green in natural light, while under incandescent light or candlelight, it transforms to a reddish-purple color. The intensity and quality of the color change can vary depending on the stone, with some also exhibiting additional secondary hues such as yellow, red, and blue.

The chatoyancy feature of certain Alexandrite stones adds to their charm, as they display a bright line of light in the form of a cat’s eye. Overall, Alexandrite’s unique assortment of shades makes it a captivating and highly valued gemstone.

The mining of Alexandrite is a complex process that requires expertise and careful extraction. Most Alexandrite deposits are found in Russia, specifically in the Ural Mountains. Other countries like Brazil, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar also have smaller deposits. Mining Alexandrite involves digging deep into the earth to access the gemstone-bearing rock. The rock is then transported to processing facilities, where it is crushed and sorted to extract the Alexandrite crystals. Due to the rarity and value of Alexandrite, mining operations must be conducted with utmost precision and adherence to environmental regulations.