A very rare and unique gemstone, Alexandrite, is a variety of chrysoberyl that exhibits an unusual color change when viewed under different types of lighting.  Alexandrite appears green in daylight or fluorescent lighting and changes red when exposed to incandescent lighting.  The more intense the red and green colors are and the amount of difference in the color change determines the value of an Alexandrite.  Legend tells us that Alexandrite was discovered in the Ural mountains of Russia in 1830, on the birthday of Russia's Czar, Alexander II.  The coincidence of this, and the fact that red and green was worn by the Russian Imperial Guard, made Alexandrite very popular in Russia. Alexandrite is found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, and Russia.

AQUAMARINE

     The birthstone for March, Aquamarine, is composed of Beryl, the same element as Emerald.  The color of Aquamarine will vary from pale blue to deep blue or blue green. Aquamarine is found in Brazil, Africa, India, and Russia.

AMBER

AMETHYST

     The birthstone for the month of February, Amethyst, is the most highly prized variety of quartz.  Amethyst ranges in color from pale lavender to royal purple. Amethyst is found primarily in Brazil and Africa.

AMETRINE

     When quartz crystals form yellow  in color (Citrine) on one end and purple  in color (Amethyst) on the other end, the result is Ametrine.  The two colors are more visible in larger stones and are generally cut in the Emerald Cut shape.  Large stones of good quality are common but somewhat expensive because of their size.  One hundred to several hundred dollars would be a typical price range for good quality specimens.  The primary country of origin for Ametrine is Bolivia.

AZURITE

BLUE TOPAZ

     Swiss Blue Topaz is the birthstone for the month of December.  London Blue Topaz, the darker blue of the Topaz family is also used for Decembers birthstone.  Blue Topaz is a natural Topaz that is irradiated to create a range of colors.  Sky blue topaz, which is often substituted for the more expensive and similar in color,  Aquamarine, is almost clear to very light blue.  Swiss Blue Topaz is a royal, rich, medium blue color.  Brazil is the chief supplier of colorless Topaz.  

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