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Often described by gem aficionados as "emerald by day, ruby by night," alexandrite is the very rare color-change variety of the mineral chrysoberyl. Originally discovered in Russia's Ural Mountains in the 1830s, it's now found in Brazil, East Africa and Sri Lanka.
Most prized are those that show a vivid green to bluish green in daylight or fluorescent light, and an intense red to purplish red in incandescent light. The newer deposits contain some fine-quality stones, but many display less-precise color change and muddier hues than the 19th century Russian alexandrite. Because of its scarcity, especially in larger sizes, fine-quality alexandrite is one of the more expensive colored gems.
Alexandrite is a birthstone for June and is the gem for the 55th wedding anniversary.
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