Color-Changing Alexandrite. Carnaíba mining district, Pindobaçu, Bahia, Brazil. 4.5 x 4.3 x 3.3 cm (1.78 x 1.68 x 1.30 in). ...

Description

Color-Changing Alexandrite
Carnaíba mining district, Pindobaçu, Bahia, Brazil
4.5 x 4.3 x 3.3 cm (1.78 x 1.68 x 1.30 in)

The Alexandrite crystals of this hefty cluster are extremely well-defined, more so than most Alexandrite specimens, which are usually so melded into the matrix that the crystal structure is often indistinguishable. These crystals are very chunky and substantial (the largest reaching 2.5 centimeters in length) and shoot out in all directions in a great display of dynamism. The most renowned feature of this species is the color-changing effect: when viewed in daylight or fluorescent light, the specimen appears to be deep green. In a warm incandescent light, however, the crystals become dark purple, a fascinating change in hues! This specimen is surprisingly gemmy in some areas, with a few terminations glowing with the help of strong backlighting, and the surface luster is very good. Instead of cyclical twinning, this explosive cluster instead appears to have twinning on individual crystals.

From The Edgehill Collection.

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