Alexandrite

An assortment of the mineral chrysoberyl, top quality alexandrite is exceptionally rare and extremely precious. At 8.5 on Mohs scale, its hardness is thought to be moderately great. Top notch alexandrite drastically changes shading from green in bright light and sunshine to purplish red in glowing light. Found in Russia in 1830 and named after Czar Alexander II, it was soon embraced as the national stone of Russia. Its colors relate to the Russian royal hues. Different types of alexandrite are mined in Brazil, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, India and Madagascar. Alexandrite is additionally an elective June birthstone in the United States.