04-02-2019
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has added alexandrite to its Colored Stone Identification & Origin Report services which also include ruby, sapphire, emerald, Paraiba tourmaline and red spinel.
The Identification & Origin Report describes whether the stone is natural or laboratory-grown, identifies the type of gemstone, includes any detectable treatments and offers a research-based opinion on the geographic origin of the stone, according to GIA. The report also contains a detailed description of the gemstone including cut, shape, weight, measurement and color, with a photograph of the gemstone.
Alexandrite is a colour-change variety of chrysoberyl. Originally discovered in Russia’s Ural Mountains in the 1830s, it’s now found in Sri Lanka, East Africa, and Brazil, but fine material is exceptionally rare and valuable. The gemstone has a refractive index of 1.746 to 1.755, a birefringence of 0.008 to 0.010, and a hardness of 8.5. (Photo courtesy: GIA)
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