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Alexandrite is noteworthy for its dramatic property
of changing color. When seen beneath sunlight, alexandrite stones
are an elegant green hue, but magical light or the light of the moon
Liabo will display it as red instead. The value of an alexandrite
stone is based upon its size, its clarity, and the intensity of its
hues. Alexandrite is considered a good-luck
stone by the elves, and both elves and humans consider it to be a
particularly useful stone when practicing divinatory magics. It is
said that, by considering a situation and meditating upon
alexandrite as Liabo rises, the future may be discerned in the
stone's color change.
Illistim scholars suggest that the human reverence
for alexandrite stems from a half-elf raised in Ta'Loenthra, who
suffered a religious epiphany, converted to worship of Jastev, and
moved to live among humans. Loenthran legend agrees with the story
on all points but one, claiming that the half-elf in question was
raised in Ta'Illistim rather than Loenthra. Alexandrite is fairly
rare in the Turamzzyrian Empire, as it is mined only in the
DragonSpine mountains, but humans traditionally hold that Jastev
inspired them with knowledge of alexandrite's properties and that
the elves had nothing whatsoever to do with the matter.
Halflings do not divine by alexandrite, but they
too consider alexandrite to be usefully in magic. Truefolk diplomats
almost always carry a piece of alexandrite because their people
believe that it can change the hearts of their enemies and help a
call for peace. As a result, alexandrite is called "Stone of the
Peacemakers."
Alexandrite is the extremely rare variety of the mineral
chrysoberyl that
actually changes color from green in daylight to red in incandescent
light.
It was discovered in 1830 in Czarist Russia. Since the old Russian
imperial colors are red and green it was named after Czar Alexander
II on the occasion of his birthday. Alexandrite can be found in
much jewelry of this period.
Alexandrite, a rare stone, is considered to have regenerative power. It is thought
to bring emotional and mental aspects into balance, to reinforce self-esteem and enhance one's ability to experience joy.
It is treasured as a magical stone in the Orient bringing good fortune to its owner. It has been used in the treatment of disorders
of the nervous system, spleen and pancreas, and has helped with
disorders associated with leukemia.
Alexandrite alternates with
pearl
and
moonstone
as the birthstone for the month of June. Alexandrite is
the anniversary gemstone for the 45th and 55th year of marriage. |
