Ok, I am new today

[tucson]

I can't figure out how to post a question. But I have a big problem. I have wanted an Alexandrite since I found out it was my birthstone over 50 years ago. I cannot afford a real one so I ordered on line. I inherited some money because my mom died in December .Well It says on the Chatham web site they turn blue,green in the sunlight. I got the stone last night and couldn't wait for the sun. Well, nothing. It's purplish pink and never turned teal. I am so upset. Please help

 

[Bron357]

Hi, sorry about your Mum.
Did you buy the lab Alexandrite directly from Chatham.com or did you buy it from someone who said it was Chatham Alexandrite?
They are different “versions” of lab grown Alexandrite some sort of like “fake” lab Alexandrite.
Proper lab created Alexandrite, for eg by Chatham, isnt super cheap to buy because the process is involved and proprietary.
There were/are earlier versions of lab Alexandrite but they were really just a purple pink synthetic Spinel. They never go to green in daylight,
You may have mistakenly bought the older/ more common type of lab Alexandrite which doesn’t ever show green (mostly a sort of blue purple and a pinky purple).
But keep in mind that the lab grown Alexandrite are not the same as the genuine, from the earth Alexandrite. They still cant match nature!
I would return it to where you bought it and get a refund.

 

[OoohShiny]

Excellent help from the wise Bron, as always

You may also get additional responses in the Coloured Stones section of the forum - this section is for Man Made Diamonds.

Hit the Report Concern button at the bottom of your post and ask if a kind moderator would be able to move it for you