According to a popular but controversial story, alexandrite was discovered by the Finnish mineralogist Nils Gustaf Nordenskiöld, (1792–1866) and named alexandrite in honor of the future Tsar Alexander II of Russia. Nordenskiöld's initial discovery occurred as a result of an examination of a newly found mineral sample he had received from Perovskii, which he identified as emerald at first. The first emerald mine had been opened in 1831.
June Birthstone, Alexandrite - "What color is it?"
Understand and learn about one of nature's rarest natural birthstone, alexandrite. Narrated by Stephan Gallagher, certified gemologist from Schulz & Sons Jewelers.
Sources and Citations :
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