Alexandrite

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

Alexandrite is the color changing cousin of the Chrysoberyl family. One of the rarest gemstones in the world, alexandrite has the unique characteristic of appearing green in the daylight and glowing red in artificial light.

Alexandrite was first discovered in 1831 in an emerald mining region of the Ural Mountains in the Soviet Union. It is said to have been first discovered on the day that the Russian czar Alexander II came of age. Thus it was named "alexandrite" in his honor by the mineralogist Nordenskjold. It is an interesting coincidence that the Russian national colors are green and red.

The astrological sign of alexandrite is Aquarius and Scopio

Alexandrite is the birthstone for the month of June.

Alexandrite is the symbolic gemstone for the 45th wedding anniversary.

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES

Alexandrite is said to help balance one's emotional state, to provide confidence, to increase self-esteem and to help bring about change.

Alexandrite is also said to bring happiness and success, and to intensify feelings of love and sensuality.

HEALING PROPERTIES

Alexandrite can be found in either gemstone or plain crystalline form, but not very easily.

Alexandrite can assist you in death/rebirth situations -- when you are busy transforming the old into the new.

The crystal form can assist you in balancing your emotions and empowering yourself.

Alexandrite is known to stimulate happiness and pleasant surprises, good fortune and success in speculative matters. It is good for emotional balance.

Alexandrite is told to be useful to help treat pancreatic disorders, swollen lymph nodes and ailments of the spleen, as well as in the treatment of afflictions occurring with leukemia.