![]() The reason why it is so incredibly rare is that these two elements are not often found in the same rock. CompositionĪlexandrite is a type of chrysoberyl. In order to explain how alexandrites and amethysts differ, we must explore their physical properties. It is clear just in this comparison alone that amethysts are rarer than alexandrites. It is even found in the United States on occasion, with known mines in Texas, Arizona, Georgia, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Michigan, Maine, and Minnesota. To date, amethysts have been found in Brazil, Canada, Bolivia, Uruguay, South Korea, Brazil, and more. They are used to label any intensely purple, high-quality amethyst. In fact, Siberian amethysts are so popular that they have become their own category of amethyst. Siberian amethysts are the most highly saturated purples. Where Is Amethyst Found?Īmethysts are most prized when mined in Siberia. Since then, alexandrite has been discovered and mined in Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and parts of Africa. This supply was discovered in the 1980s and quickly became the primary resource for most high-end jewelers. Where Is Alexandrite Found?Īlexandrite is most prized when it comes from the original Russian supply, but it is only sold as an antique from this region.īrazilian alexandrite is the closest that you can get to emulating Russian alexandrite. ![]() The tale was also captured in a 1576 poem by Remy Belleau (“Amethyst or the loves of Bacchus and Amethyste”), perpetuating this amethyst myth. The stones were named after the Greek word amethystos, which means “not drunk.” The myth of Bacchus and the Amethyst states that the power of the gemstone could sober up even the Roman god of wine himself. It also forced the Ural Mountain mines to run out of stones very quickly, forcing an international search for new sources.Īs we stated before, the Ancient Egyptians and Ancient Greeks were fond of amethysts and used them often for protection. The Royal’s Family incorporation of alexandrite into jewelry and royal regalia made it world-renowned. At the time of their finding, the monarchy was the top trendsetter. Historical SignificanceĪlexandrites are inextricably tied to Czar Alexander II (their namesake) and the Russian Royal Family. While their origin may not be concrete, they have certainly earned their place in history. How Was Amethyst Discovered?Īs far as the discovery of amethyst goes, their story is far less clear.Īmethysts were beloved by the Ancient Greeks and have been in circulation for many purposes for tens of thousands of years. They named it “alexandrite” after the ruler of Russia at the time. However, when the gemstone was placed underneath incandescent lighting, it quickly transformed into a breathtaking red hue.Ĭareful consideration and examination allowed gemologists and mineralogists alike to agree they had stumbled upon a brand new stone. The Ural Mountains were known to carry these gems in abundance. At first, everyone thought that they had found a particularly quality emerald. Nordenskiöld’s team was lucky enough to stumble upon a piece of alexandrite in their search, and the gem world changed forever. In the 1830s, the famed mineralogist Nils Gustaf Nordenskiöld was leading an expedition through Russia’s Ural Mountains. It never gets old, so allow us to jog your memory. If you know Mark Henry Jewelry, you probably know this story all too well. That way, you can make the most educated purchase possible. Let’s dive into what sets them apart in the world of warm-toned gemstones. We mention it because alexandrite is able to transition from mesmerizing greens to beautiful reds under different lighting.Īpart from this obvious difference between the two gemstones, they do have some similarities. ![]() We’re not just saying that because we have a soft spot for exotic gemstones. Yet alexandrite is far rarer and more multifaceted than amethyst -which is the rarest quartz. To the naked eye, both have gorgeous purple-red hues. When we look at alexandrite and amethysts, the two stones might appear similar on the surface. However, the core values of gem grades (color, clarity, cut, and carat weight) apply universally. This is especially true when it comes to colored gemstones because they vary so greatly. What one customer loves about a gem, another might hate. When comparing gemstones, it’s important to always remember that their beauty is in the eye of their beholder.
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