Can alexandrite be faked?

Can alexandrite be faked?

Synthetic alexandrite is an artificially grown crystalline variety of chrysoberyl, composed of beryllium aluminum oxide (BeAl2O4). The name is also often used erroneously to describe synthetically-grown corundum that simulates the appearance of alexandrite, but with a different mineral composition.

How is synthetic alexandrite made?

Synthetic alexandrite is also grown using the Czochralski method. This method includes two different ways of growing the stone, including floating zone and pulling. Pulling is the most common method that also produces synthetic corundum.

How can you tell if alexandrite is synthetic?

Synthetic corundum changes from a purple resembling amethyst under artificial light to a greyish-blue in daylight where synthetic spinel more closely resembles alexandrite with its change from reddish to blue-greenish hues.

What colour is synthetic alexandrite?

So, of course, synthetic alexandrites also have these properties. The most spectacular and prized transformation is from green in daylight to red in incandescent light. Gemologists refer to this particular color shift as the “alexandrite effect,” even when it occurs in other gem species like garnets and sapphires.

Can alexandrite be lab created?

It was not until recently that Alexandrite could be lab-grown and exude the same vivid hues and fine quality it once did when it was first found!

Does alexandrite get cloudy?

Does alexandrite get cloudy? The color change is displayed due to the presence of chromium which often makes stone cloudy. Natural Alexandrite which is both very clear and has prominent color change is extremely rare.

What cut is best for alexandrite?

Alexandrite is typically cut into shapes known as mixed cuts. These contain brilliant cut crowns and step-cut pavilions. For alexandrite with many flaws and inclusions, the cat’s eye cabochon makes for a good cut.

Where is narsipatnam alexandrite from?

We obtain alexandrite from the Narsipatnam mine near the city of Vishakhapatnam in the Andhra Pradesh province of India. Ranks 8.5 on the Mohs hardness scale.

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