Chrysoberyl var. Alexandrite

$2,450.00

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The ArkenstoneFeatured

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Alexandrite, the chrome-bearing variety of chrysoberyl, is a rare gemstone that is highly-prized for its color-changing properties. A large miniature, the complex intergrowth of the crystals, as well as the deep-green color, is classic for the Novello Mine in Zimbabwe. You can see the well-known cyclic twinning on many of the crystals, with the largest of the striated crystal arms reaching 1.6 cm. The luster is good, and the deep color completely belies how translucent these alexandrites really are: add a strong backlight, and not only can the light go right through, but at the correct orientation you can see the color change as the green morphs to purple. It's really quite amazing, and dramatically better in person. The little bit of attached mica schist adds interest, and indicates the metamorphic origin of the specimen. A superb miniature from old classic finds.