Alexandrite is the other birthstone for June and also known as the Christmas stone due to it colors. Alexandrite was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in 1830 on the birthday of Czar Alexander II, and was named in his honor. Equally significant were it’s red and green colors, which were the same of those of the Royal Imperial Army. Russians have worn the stone with great pride and is considered it a good luck charm. The red and green colors is also a reason why it is known as the Christmas stone. What is also very interesting about alexandrite is that it will actually change colors. In daylight the stone is a deep blue-green, but under incandescent lighting the stone will turn a purple-red. It has been called an “emerald by day and an amethyst by night.” Alexandrite is very rare, so it is very expensive as a natural stone. Because it is so rare and so expensive, most people will purchase a created alexandrite. The created alexandrite still has the same colors and color changing properties.
