Editing Internet Texts/Gemstones/Alexandrite
Alexandrite
editAlexandrite is one of the rarest and most valuable gemstones. It was discovered by chance during a search for emeralds near Yekaterinburg in 1833, on the day of Alexander the Second's birthday anniversary (hence the name).[1] It is a very valuable variety of chrysoberyl, which ranks as the third-hardest gemstone, right after diamond and corundum.
Alexandrite changes its color depending upon the nature of ambient lighting. It is emerald-colored or grass-green in daylight and purple-reddish in artifical light. Its color varies also from red to orange-yellowish depending on the angle from which it is looked at.
Basic properties
editComposition | Al2BeO4 |
Class | Oxydes and hydroxydes |
Crystal system | Rhombic |
Mohs' hardness | 8,5 |
Fracture | Conchoidal |
Cleavage | Imperfect |
Lustre | Glassy |
Streak | White |
Localities | Tanzania, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Republic of South Africa, India, Zimbabwe, Tasmania |
References
edit- ↑ Minerały i kamienie szlachetne by RBA Collecionables, S.A., ISBN 978-83-7813-150-2, 2012.