If you were born in June, then Alexandite is your birthstone. Alexandrite also commemorates the 45th and 55th wedding anniversaries. Alexandrite is a relative latecomer on the gem scene, not having been discovered until 1830 in the Ural Mountains. Its discovery occured on the same day as the Birthday of Czar Alexander II, in the same year that he ascended the throne. It is for this reason that Alexandrite has been named in his honor.
Alexandrite displays a phenomina called color shift. This rare occurance causes Alexandrite to shift color from red or purple to green depending on the type of light it is viewed under. The Russians regarded Alexandrite as a lucky stone, since its dual coloration of red and green echoed the military uniform of czarist Russia.
Alexandrite is a member of the chrysoberyl mineral group. Alexandrite has a hardness of 8.50 and a specific gravity of 3.71. Although discovered in Russia most Alexandrite is now found in Brazil.