June Birthstone: Alexandrite

Mohs Hardness Scale  8.5

An extremely rare variety of chrysoberyl, Alexandrite has a chameleon like quality, color change. Under different light sources this stone can convey a very strong or a very slight color change.  This color change is sometimes described as "Emerald by day, Ruby by Night" In daylight or fluorescent lighting, this stone can appear green, but it changes to a brownish or purplish red in the incandescent light from a candle flame. This rare stone shares is designation as June's birthstone with the pearl and or moonstone.