Color Change Gems Make Collectible

Color Change Gems Make Collectible<br /><br />Why have just one ordinary, faceted gemstone when you can one extraordinary and rare gemstone that looks like two unique gems when viewed in different light? A beautiful gemstone that appears blue green when outdoors in natural light, and purplish red when indoors under incandescent light, for example, is a surprising and remarkable sight to behold. Also, it is extremely rare. And, because such a sensational stone is both scarce and curious, often, it is quite pricey.<br /><br />However, there is good news for gem and jewelry collectors: relatively recent discoveries of gem material displaying the color change phenomena make these special gems more attainable than ever. And, for now at least although not cheap many of these extraordinary gems are still quite affordable. Better still, each of the chameleon gem varieties, pricey or not, make extraordinary, durable, heirloom quality gemstones for jewelry.<br /><br />GIA Says Phenomenal Gems Defy DescriptionNatural, color change gemstones are phenomenal gems which display a distinct change in perceived gem body color when viewed under different types of lighting. According to the Gemological Institute of America GIA, these rare, phenomenal gems display special effects that defy simple description. Color change occurs due to the unique crystal structures of a gemstone, the process of selective absorption of light rays how a material absorbs some components of visible light and returns others, and how humans perceive color and light. Bonanno, in the book, Jewelry Gems The Buying Guide Gemstone Press. This simple fact distinguishes alexandrite from all other gems, which may show color change. Alexandrites value, the duo writes, is based largely on the degree of change.<br /><br />Rare and highly treasured alexandrite, named after Czar Alexander II, was discovered during the 1830s in the Ural mountains of Russia. For a long time, alexandrite was considered a single source gem, which only added to its desirability and value. Today, although the sources in the Urals are said to be near depleted, new sources of the gem are located in Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Brazil, Myanmar, Madagascar and Tanzania.<br /><br />Color Change Alexandrite is a Most Expensive GemstoneIn Gemstones of the World, Newly Revised Expanded Fourth Edition Sterling, Walter Schumann explains that even though the stone is no longer considered single source, High quality alexandrite is one of the most expensive of all gemstones. For many people, fine alexandrite is considered the Holy Grail of gemstones. After all, how often does on see a gem that completely changes hue, from one side of the color wheel to the opposite side?<br /><br />According to GIA experts, the value of each finished alexandrite gem depends on the hue, tone and saturation of the two colors it shows. But equally important is the the degree and distinctness of its color change. Fine alexandrite looks purplish red in incandescent candle or a standard light bulb. Moved to sunlight or fluorescent light, it turns green or bluish green, according to information provided in the GIAs Colored Stone Essentials class.<br /><br />Saturated Colors and Dramatic Change Add Value to AlexandriteThe more pure and intense the colors, and the more distinct and dramatic the change from one color to another, the more valuable the stone coupled, of course, with all the regular colored stone value parameters such as source, size, shape, cut, clarity, brilliance and finish. For example, all other characteristics being equal, a color change alexandrite that appears brownish, grayish or with muddied colors will be worth far less than one displaying bright, purplish red and traffic light green colors. Also, it is most desired that there be a crisp distinction between the two colors, and that they not be visible at the same time.<br /><br />In her book, Exotic Gems, Volume 2 International Jewelry Publications, Graduate Gemologist Rene Newman writes, Few gems show as complete of a color change as alexandrite, and consequently the phenomenon itself is called the alexandrite effect.<br /><br />In addition to its eye appeal, alexandrite makes a fine, durable jewelry gem. The gem is quite hard, rated at 8.5 on the Mohs hardness scale.<br /><br />Alexandrite Effect Present in Color Change GarnetIn addition to extraordinary alexandrite, some garnet namely pyrope spessartine can have superb color change characteristics. Durable, color change garnet is often from Tanzania and Madagascar, and the raspberry red to teal blue colors in fine garnet gems can be quite deep and intense with impressive color change.<br /><br />In The Gem Trade Articles, Graduate Gemologist Richard Wise writes online that the first color change garnet from East Africa he saw looked exactly like an alexandrite from the Hematita strike in Brazil. He continues, Others have compared the Madagascar color change to Russian Uralian alexandrite as well. Moreover, Wise writes that the color change of the Madagascar garnet is truly remarkable and rates the stone as extraordinarily rare. Garnet is an excellent, durable jewelry gem.<br /><br />Color Change Occurs in Rare Sapphire and SpinelColor change is present in some sapphire as well. Generally, color change sapphire shifts from green to red, like a fine alexandrite, or from blue to purple. Green to red color change sapphire as well as the blue to purple, often hail from Tanzania; other changers are sourced from Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and East Africa. Sapphire is an exceptional jewelry stone, extremely durable, with a superb luster.<br /><br />Also, according to the GIA, rare spinel may show color change characteristics. GIAs online Featured Gemstone article titled, Spinel, reads Some spinels show color change, usually turning from grayish blue in daylight or fluorescent light to purple under incandescent light.<br /><br />Examine Gems in Different Types of LightAs a general rule, when evaluating any gem, especially a color change stone, be sure to examine the gem in different lighting situations. A gem may appear bright and colorful in one type of light, and then go dark or muddy in the second type of light. A fine gem will display lovely color in incandescent, fluorescent and sunlight. Also, with new, energy saving light sources on the market, and the phasing out of traditional incandescent lights, it is wise to view a potential purchase in as many light sources as possible.<br /><br />Sapphire, Garnet and Spinel Offer Excellent Value for Extraordinary Color Change GemsFinally, in the finest color change specimens, most likely, none of these alexandrite alternative gemstones would be considered cheap. However, fine color change garnet, sapphire and spinel can be had for a fraction of the cost of the finest alexandrite. These unusual garnet, sapphire and spinel gemstones represent an excellent value for collectors and jewelry aficionados. Certainly, they are no less dazzling than their alexandrite counterparts. Most should be considered extremely collectible and worthy as special, heirloom jewelry gems.