Alexandrite is agemstone. It is a type ofchrysoberyl. Different kinds of light make the colors change. This is called the "alexandrite effect."
A gemstone similar to alexandrite can be made in alaboratory. That kind of stone is called synthetic or simulated alexandrite. These are not made of chrysoberyl. People make these because alexandrite is expensive, and the synthetic alexandrite costs less.[1]
One story says that alexandrite was named in honor ofAlexander II of Russia. Alexander was not yetTsar at the time.
Alexandrite has been found inRussia,Brazil,India,Madagascar andSri Lanka.
Alexandrite is one of the birthstones forJune.
