alexandrite

American  

[al-ig-zan-drahyt, -zahn-] / ˌæl ɪgˈzæn draɪt, -ˈzɑn- /

noun

Mineralogy.

1. a variety of chrysoberyl, green by daylight and red-violet by artificial light, used as a gem.

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alexandrite British  

/ ˌælɪɡˈzændraɪt /

noun

1. a green variety of chrysoberyl used as a gemstone

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Usage

What is alexandrite? Alexandrite is a very rare, transparent gemstone that appears green-blue in daylight but changes to red-violent under incandescent light.It is one variety of the mineral chrysoberyl.Due to its rarity and unique color-changing ability, naturally occurring alexandrite is extremely expensive, often surpassing even the price of precious stones like emeralds and diamonds. A small gemstone can reach a very high price. For this reason, synthetic alexandrite is popular for jewelry making.Alexandrite is one of the birthstones for the month of June. It is associated with the zodiac signs Gemini and Cancer. It is also the gemstone for a 55th wedding anniversary.Example: Having an alexandrite ring is almost like having two different pieces of jewelry—one with a green stone and one with a red stone.

Etymology

Origin of alexandrite

1830–40; named after Alexander I of Russia; -ite ¹

Example Sentences

The next month, she made another expensive purchase: a diamond and alexandrite ring.

From New York Times

The fugitive greenish hue of a rare alexandrite at another booth she likened to “the color of petrol.”

From New York Times

A small sterling silver ring with a blue alexandrite center stone surrounded by tiny gems of cubic zirconium was also found with the body.

From Los Angeles Times

Rich finds of a valuable ruby, sapphire, cat’s-eye, amethyst, alexandrite or star stone, are comparatively rare; it is only of the commoner gems, such as moonstone, garnet, spinels, that a steady supply is obtained.

From Project Gutenberg

Occasional alexandrites, so called in honor of the Russian Czar, are found in the island.

From Project Gutenberg