Alexandrite << `al` ihg ZAN dryt >> is a rare gem variety of the mineral chrysoberyl. The most highly valued alexandrite appears green like an emerald in natural light but looks red like a ruby in most kinds of artificial light. This strong color change is rare. Most alexandrite shows a color change from blue green to purple, or from blue to purple in artificial varieties. A tiny amount of the element chromium causes the perceived shift in color. The presence of chromium sets alexandrite apart from all other types of chrysoberyl. Alexandrite is one of the birthstones for the month of June.
Alexandrite was first discovered in the Ural Mountains in Russia in 1833. The stone was named after Alexander II, who later became the czar of Russia. Today, alexandrite is still mined in Russia. Other countries that produce alexandrite include Brazil, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
