💎️ Gemstone Overview

Alexandrite, scientifically known as Chrysoberyl.

It was first discovered in Russia's Ural Mountains during the early 19th century. It was named after Tsar Alexander II because it was found on his birthday and its unique color-changing property reflected the national military colors of imperial Russia - green and red. Over time, alexandrite has been used in various forms of jewelry due to its rare ability to change color under different lighting conditions; appearing green in daylight or fluorescent light, and changing to a reddish-purple under incandescent light.

In terms of cultural significance, alexandrite is believed by some cultures to bring luck, good fortune, and love. In Russian folklore, it is considered a stone of very good omen. It is also associated with concentration and learning since it is believed that it stimulates creativity and imagination while also promoting emotional balance. Moreover, Alexandrite is one of the birthstones for June along with pearl and moonstone.

While originally discovered in Russia’s Ural Mountains, today most Alexandrites are sourced from Brazil but they can also be found in Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon), India's Andhra Pradesh mines as well as East Africa’s Tanzania mines.

🔬 Physical Properties

  • Alexandrite is renowned for its unique color-changing ability. In daylight, it appears as a beautiful green to bluish-green. However, under incandescent light or candlelight, the gemstone changes to a red to purplish-red hue. The intensity of colors can vary and the most valuable alexandrites are those with distinct color change.

  • With a Mohs hardness rating of 8.5, Alexandrite is relatively hard and durable which makes it suitable for all types of jewelry including rings that experience wear and tear daily.

  • Alexandrite belongs to the Orthorhombic crystal system which means its crystals form in double pyramid shapes.

  • Alexandrite is an extremely rare gemstone due to its unusual chemical composition requiring specific geological conditions during formation. It's more scarce than diamonds making it highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

🌙 Psychic and Spiritual Attributes

The Heart Chakra (4th chakra) is most associated with Alexandrite. This gemstone helps to balance emotions, stimulate compassion, and encourage love.

Gemini and Cancer are the zodiac signs that Alexandrite is particularly associated with. It aids Geminis in embracing change and adaptability while it provides Cancers emotional healing.

Alexandrite has a strong connection with the element of Earth due to its transformative properties. It encourages growth and renewal just like the earth does during different seasons.

Known as "the stone of transformation," Alexandrite carries energies that aid in self-discovery and spiritual evolution. Its unique ability to change color under different lighting symbolizes its power in aligning one's inner desires with their true self. Additionally, it enhances psychic abilities such as intuition or clairvoyance by opening up the third eye chakra. The stone also brings luck, prosperity, joy, love into one's life while helping them navigate through changes smoothly.

🍀 Healing and Therapeutic Properties

Alexandrite is known for its ability to bring about emotional balance and stability. It helps in managing stress, anxiety, and negative emotions by promoting feelings of love, joy, and overall positivity. The stone encourages self-esteem and confidence while helping the wearer to experience genuine happiness in life.

In terms of physical healing properties, Alexandrite is believed to help with issues related to the nervous system. It's also thought to aid in cell regeneration, purify blood, strengthen vascular system as well as treat conditions like leukemia. Some people use it for problems associated with spleen or pancreas.

On a mental level, Alexandrite stimulates the mind by enhancing problem-solving capabilities along with creativity. Its energy aids intellectual growth by improving learning abilities and promoting clarity of thought. This gemstone can be particularly beneficial for those who are seeking solutions or answers as it boosts intuition.

Spiritually speaking, Alexandrite promotes transformation which makes it an excellent stone for spiritual growth. It brings about inner change while providing strength during times of transition – this includes progress on one’s spiritual path too. Additionally, this powerful gemstone enhances psychic abilities and connects the earthly realm with other dimensions.

🕯️ Use in Magic and Rituals

Alexandrite is an ideal choice for rituals and spells that involve change, growth, or evolution. It's often used in prosperity magic due to its association with luck and wealth. Some practitioners use Alexandrite during moon rituals because of its unique ability to change color under different light sources - daylight vs artificial light - symbolizing the waxing and waning phases of the moon.

To cleanse Alexandrite, you can rinse it under running water then dry it thoroughly. For charging this gemstone, place it under direct sunlight or moonlight for several hours. As Alexandrite is linked with both lunar and solar energies, either method will work effectively. You may also charge your alexandrite by placing it on a clear quartz cluster overnight.

In divination practices or psychic readings, Alexandrite can be used as a tool for enhancing intuition and mental clarity. Its transformative properties make it useful when seeking guidance through periods of change or uncertainty. This gemstone could also be used during tarot reading sessions by placing it near your deck before drawing cards to help channel insightful messages from higher realms.

🌠 Gemstone in Astrology

Alexandrite is a unique gemstone with an extraordinary color-changing quality. It is associated with the month of June and serves as a birthstone for those born under the astrological sign of Gemini.

In terms of planetary associations, Alexandrite is linked to Mercury, which rules over Gemini and Virgo. This connection to Mercury symbolizes communication, intellect, and adaptability - all traits that are enhanced by this gemstone.

As a stone closely tied to Geminis due to its birthstone status, Alexandrite can have profound effects on individuals belonging to this sun sign. It helps them balance their dual nature and brings harmony into their lives. For Virgos who are also ruled by Mercury but not directly associated with this stone as a birthstone, wearing or using alexandrite can enhance their analytical skills and help them express themselves more clearly. Beyond these signs, it's believed that alexandrite's transformative properties could benefit any zodiac sign by promoting growth and change.

🧿 Talismanic Use

Due to its unique property of changing color under different lighting conditions, it is often used in talismans and amulets for transformation and adaptability. You can carry it with you in your pocket or purse, wear it as jewelry such as a pendant or ring, or place it on your altar at home. It's believed that having alexandrite close to you helps facilitate change and growth in life. Some people also use this gemstone during meditation by holding it in their hand or placing it on the third eye chakra.

Alexandrite symbolizes change, balance, joy, luck and spiritual transformation. Its ability to shift colors from green (symbolizing growth) in daylight to red (representing passion) under artificial light signifies the duality of human nature - calmness versus intensity - thereby promoting emotional balance. This makes alexandrite an excellent choice for those seeking equilibrium between their physical world needs and spiritual aspirations.

The stone’s rarity has led many cultures throughout history to associate Alexandrite with good fortune – making amulets made from this gemstone popular among gamblers who believe they bring luck.

As for being a heart chakra stone primarily but also affecting the crown chakra due its purple hues seen under certain lights – wearing an alexandrite necklace near these areas could help open up one's heart towards receiving love while simultaneously enhancing intuition respectively.

🏷️ Buying Guide

When selecting high-quality Alexandrite, there are several factors you should consider. Firstly, the most valuable Alexandrites have a clear and distinct color change from green in daylight to red under incandescent light. This color change should be as dramatic as possible for the gemstone to be considered of high quality. Secondly, clarity is also important; the stone should have minimal inclusions or flaws that can affect its beauty and value. Lastly, larger stones are more desirable since they display the color change more prominently.

The price range for Alexandrite varies greatly depending on its quality and size. Small pieces with less noticeable color changes can start at around $500 per carat while high-quality stones with strong color changes can reach up to $15,000 per carat or even higher if it's an exceptional piece. Factors influencing their price include the intensity of colour change, clarity of the stone (the fewer inclusions or blemishes it has), origin (stones from Russia are particularly valued), and size - larger stones tend to command higher prices due to their rarity.

Despite being relatively hard (8.5 on Mohs scale), alexandrites require careful handling because they may form internal cracks if knocked hard against a surface – this phenomenon is known as cleavage. It's best not expose them to drastic temperature changes which could cause damage too.

Clean your alexandrite using warm soapy water and dry it with a soft cloth after washing; avoid steam or ultrasonic cleaners since these methods might risk damaging your gemstone.

When storing your alexandrite jewelry make sure each piece is stored separately so that they don't scratch each other or any other jewelry you might have.