alexandrite and fracture

[chelsea]

Hello. I have always loved the axelandrite. What I am wondering is if it is a good choice for the main stone in an engagement ring. I am worried about it fracturing. Esp, since i am a bit hard on my rings and this is not something I would plan on taking off on a regular basis. I have asked several jewelers, but gotten conflicting answers. Thanks!

 

[DiamondExpert]

It can be a fine choice, but you probably don't want to abuse a fine Alex, for which you may have paid big bucks, because it can be damaged just like a diamond or any other gemstone.

It has an 8.5 Mohs hardness, is quite durable and is very tough due to the fact that the cleavage in 3 directions is very weak.

Also, be prepared to pay many $K/ct. for a top quality (excellent color change) stone, especially of Russian origin, of >1ct.

 

[valeria101]

The stone is durable enough for what you want. Well, there are not too many types of rings that would gladly go rock climbing, but aside from such abnormal (?) situations... After all, hard as it is, diamonds shatter much more easily thna alex. Look for a stone without obvious inclusions: large inclusions may affect durability. The only kind of wear you are likely to notice by the 10th anniversary of the ring would be some abrasion of the facet joints and meets on the top of the stone which can usually be polished, not cracking (as in the title of the post). Not to mention what a great choice these stones are. I am not sure though fine alexandrite is very often available straight away from most jewelers for you to consider a selection, have you found what you want? There are quite a few combinations of shades and colors in these changers

 

[mogok]

Hello Chelsea,
I completely agree with Ana and Gary:
Alexandrite is an excellent choice for a ring. It is a stone which shows a very good durability. Now in your special case take care that your stone dont get any important cracks.
Small crystal type inclusions are not a problem in my opinion in natural stones if they are not visible to the naked eye and if they dont lower the overall beauty of the stone...
They are making just the stone cheaper and if you have some knowledge about them they are the proof of the natural origin of your little beauty. In fact to my opinion they are just very desirable! The only inclusion you have to take care is may be a large cavity filled with liquid and gas near the surface as it can explode under the jeweller torch and fracture the stone... But these inclusions are rare.

In fact: Just get your stone and enjoy it!

Mogok, Bangkok based gemologist