Synthetic alexandrite: description, properties and difference from natural

Alexandrite is one of the most beautiful, unusual stones and is an incredibly popular jewel. It is distinguished by its unique ability to change shades and even colors depending on the lighting. Since a natural mineral is a very rare phenomenon, its price is quite high. Fortunately, modern technologies allow to grow nano-stones, which by their external qualities practically do not differ from natural ones.

Natural alexandrite belongs to chrysoberyl interspersed with vanadium, chromium, it is distinguished by transparency, depth and richness of color. But such instances of alexandrites are a great rarity, most often in nature there are stones that do not differ in purity, with turbidity. The color scheme is very variable - from green with blue and olive, to a yellowish-brown palette. When changing lighting, minerals can change their color.

Synthetic alexandrite, or hydrothermal, created by man in the laboratory by the Czochralski method, or crystallization. Nano-stones are created by mixing small particles of natural minerals with a variety of chemical components. In the creation of artificially grown alexandrite it was just as important to maintain the effect of discoloration, which allowed the hydrothermal method of creation. The stone obtained in this way is more bright, its shade is deep and juicy compared to the natural one.

The synthesized alexandrite is more in demand in modern jewelry, as the natural stone is quite rare, the price, respectively, is also quite high. In the laboratories, stones are created on the basis of natural particles of alexandrite, obtained by cutting natural stones.

Hydrothermal stone has great transparency and purity, has no impurities. As for the color scale, modern technologies allow forming stones of any color from green to purple with preservation of the effect of iridescence, trichroism. Such stones are much cheaper than natural relatives, while they preserve all its qualities externally, and other properties are almost identical.

Grown alexandrite was most popular when he was in the USSR, then in the jewelry departments it was sold without an indication of origin. It turned out to create the most dimensional stones after the Czochralski method was discovered. He allowed not only stretching, but also pulling the crystals up from the alloy. From the times of the Soviet Union to now Novosibirsk has been the center of production of artificial alexandrites.

The quality of these stones is so high that abroad they often sell nanoalexandrites as natural, the difference is almost imperceptible. The method allows to obtain crystals within one week, which change colors in the same way as natural material.

If you want to buy natural, true alexandrite, you need to ask at the point of sale a certificate of conformity, and it is desirable that it be confirmed by other documents and be able to check its authenticity in the organization-author. To determine authenticity at home is extremely difficult, even synthetic alexandrite may not be in the decoration, because fakes are very common.

Instead of alexandrite, natural or synthetic, they often sell cubic zirconias or other artificial stones similar in color. It is not possible to determine authenticity without special equipment, especially when it comes to nano-alksandrite.

The imitation of alexandrite is most often represented by several variants.

This method is used to create Swarovski crystals. It is rather fragile, to find out that it is fake, the light will help, the overflow will tell almost everything about the stone, especially since it is unable to change color. If you hold something sharp on the stone, a scratch will immediately appear.

It will be very difficult to find the differences here, since it is this material that is often used for the production of nano-alexandrite. Moreover, the synthetic stone will be stronger than the natural one, the shades will almost completely coincide. The only way - inspection in the light, where the nanocamen will cast yellow, natural - all the colors of the palette. In modern production, corundum has passed the position in favor of spinel.

The most common material for the manufacture of nano-stones, and he almost completely recreates the original, although the differences still exist. For example, the absolute absence of yellow reflux, in addition, spinel will have a deep outflow of violet in the light, while natural alexandrite is green and red.

This natural stone is not artificially grown, but despite this, it often substitutes for alexandrite in jewelry, as it has a stunning iridescence and similar shades. Its price is low, so it is used quite actively in jewelry, especially in silver.

Another natural stone that has a large number of species, some of them are difficult to distinguish from alexandrite, since they include the same color palettes: red, green. The value of the stone is still in question, because the amount of natural tourmaline on the planet is still unknown.

A very similar stone with alexandrite, sometimes only a specialist can distinguish them. It is also solid in quality, but it is much cheaper. At the same time, rubies can be more iridescent than alexandrites.

The weakest imitation, which can not stand even a superficial comparison. Simply look at the stones to determine more modest colors, lack of purity, iridescence and ability to change color.

Characteristic differences that allow to determine the difference between natural stone and high-quality synthetic:

• wave-like color distribution when squinting;
• there is the impression of a "cat's eye";
• double glare missing from natural stone;
• strange luminosities in layering;
• presence of bubbles.

Alexandrite does not require too careful care, especially since the artificial stone is more durable than natural. Nevertheless, there are a number of rules that are recommended to be followed.

• Neat wearing. If you want nanoalexandrite to shine and retain its color, avoid contact with chemicals and cleaning products. Remove the stone before using them.
• Proper cleaning. They clean the stone in only one way: they prepare warm water and create a light soap solution to which the decoration goes. After 15-20 minutes, it is removed, washed and wiped.
• Proper storage. The ideal place for this is dry, dark, cool. In addition, contact with other jewels or wrapping with cloth should be avoided.

Despite the artificial origin, the very baby, from which stones are grown, has a natural, mineral composition. Therefore, nanoalexandrite has magical properties. In order for the stone to bring benefits to the maximum and not to harm, you must follow the rules of its wearing.

• Buy a kit. Alexandrite is often called widowed, as it can bring unhappiness in your personal life. Wearing a pair will help prevent this, so the negative effect is neutralized.
• Gold rim. It is this frame that enhances the magical and healing properties of alexandrite.
• Pick a pair. Alexandrite feels good with almost any minerals, does not conflict. Only one ruby ​​neighborhood should be avoided. These gems are not worn together.
• If you are going to leave the house, at least wear jewelry, returning, remove first. Do not wear them at night.
• Watch out for color changes. If a pebble often changes color without a reason, check the sugar level, it can be a warning signal.
• According to astrologers, nanoalexrite is perfectly compatible with Scorpio, Pisces and Gemini. Aries are allowed to wear, you should not buy such things as Virgo, Cancer, Taurus, Sagittarius.
• Gemini should wear this jewelry if they want to find harmony., as he does not extinguish curiosity, but at the same time balances character.
• Scorpions alexandrites bring the desire and ability to follow the dream. Any obstacles will be overcome much easier.
• Lions and Aquarius will be able to break through the thorns, to console raging passions, to develop creativity.
• Refuse to wear this jewelry if you do not feel enough positive in yourself. Permanent negative will be enhanced by the decoration.

How to distinguish natural stone from synthetic stone, see the following video.