Colour Change Gemstones

colour change Gemstones

Colour change gemstones, celebrated for their mesmerizing ability to shift hues in different lighting, encompass a captivating array of mineral varieties. These extraordinary jewels reveal their enchanting colour-changing properties due to the unique interplay of trace elements, offering a fascinating glimpse into the ever-evolving world of gemstones.

Alexandrite, a remarkable colour change gemstone variety of chrysoberyl, is renowned for its dramatic transformation from green in daylight to a rich red under incandescent light. Zircon, with its vibrant and dynamic colour shifts, captivates with its remarkable adaptability, providing a visual delight as it transitions between blue, green, and golden hues.

Spinel, known for its delightful colour change qualities, enchants with its transition from cool blues in daylight to warm purples under incandescent lighting. Tourmaline, with its versatile colour change properties, showcases an enticing palette of hues, making it a sought-after gemstone for those who appreciate its ever-evolving beauty.

Colour change gemstones not only captivate with their dynamic transformations but also convey a sense of adaptability and uniqueness, representing the fascinating interplay of light and chemistry. Whether adorning jewellery or admired in their natural forms, these exceptional gems continue to enchant with their delightful shifts in colour and timeless allure.

Click below to learn more about that species.

Chrysoberyl, a captivating gemstone with a name rooted in Greek, combines "chrysos" meaning golden and "beryllos" signifying a type of precious stone. This aptly named gemstone is renowned for its lustrous brilliance and remarkable durability.

Chemically composed of beryllium aluminium oxide, chrysoberyl is distinct from other beryl gemstones like emerald and aquamarine. Its striking green or yellow hues, characterized by exceptional clarity, have made it a cherished choice in jewellery for centuries.

Chrysoberyl's geological origins can be traced to metamorphic rocks and alluvial deposits, with notable sources including Brazil, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar. Its resilience, often compared to sapphire, has earned it a reputation as one of the world's hardest gemstones.

One of the most fascinating features of chrysoberyl is its unique optical phenomenon known as cat's-eye or chatoyancy, where a luminous band appears to glide across the surface when the gemstone is cut en cabochon. This captivating effect adds to the gem's allure and continues to captivate gemstone enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Spinel, a captivating gemstone, takes its name from the Latin word "spinella," meaning "little thorn" or "spark." Composed of magnesium aluminium oxide, spinel boasts a brilliant range of colours, from deep reds and blues to vibrant pinks and purples.

Spinel's geological origins are closely associated with marble and limestone formations, often occurring as octahedral crystals within these rocks. Notable sources include Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania.

What sets spinel apart is its exceptional hardness and durability, ranking 8 on the Mohs scale, making it a superb choice for jewellery. Throughout history, spinel has often been mistaken for other gemstones, including rubies and sapphires, due to its vivid colours.

One fascinating fact about spinel is its use in royal jewellery, including the "Black Prince's Ruby" in the British Imperial State Crown. This gemstone's rich history, stunning colours, and impressive properties continue to make it a highly sought-after and cherished gem in the world of fine jewellery and gemology.

Tourmaline, a mesmerising gemstone, derives its name from the Sinhalese word "turamali," meaning "stone with mixed colours." Comprising a complex borosilicate mineral group, tourmaline showcases a remarkable array of colours, making it a favourite among gem enthusiasts and collectors.

Geologically, tourmaline forms in a variety of environments, including granite and pegmatite rocks. Notable sources include Brazil, Madagascar, and Afghanistan, each yielding unique colour varieties.

What sets tourmaline apart is its exceptional range of colours, often displaying bi-coloured or tri-coloured crystals. Tourmalines are renowned for their intricate internal growth structures, which can create striking cat's-eye and watermelon-like patterns when cut and polished.

One interesting fact about tourmaline is its unique property of pyroelectricity, meaning it can generate an electrical charge when heated or subjected to pressure changes. This property has led to its use in scientific instruments and mineralogical studies. With its vibrant hues and fascinating properties, tourmaline continues to captivate gem connoisseurs worldwide.

Zircon, a captivating gemstone, derives its name from the Arabic word "zargun," meaning "golden-coloured." Composed primarily of zirconium silicate, zircon showcases a brilliant range of colours, including fiery reds, vibrant blues, and dazzling greens.

Geologically, zircon forms in a variety of environments, including igneous rocks and sedimentary deposits. Notable sources include Sri Lanka, Australia, and Brazil, each yielding distinctive colour varieties.

What distinguishes zircon is its remarkable dispersion, a quality that disperses light into a spectrum of vibrant flashes, earning it the nickname "earth's most sparkly gem." This dispersion, even higher than that of diamond, adds to its fiery brilliance when properly cut and polished.

One fascinating fact about zircon is its use in dating geological samples, as it contains trace amounts of radioactive isotopes that decay over time, allowing scientists to determine the age of the Earth's crust. Beyond its scientific importance, zircon's dazzling beauty continues to make it a cherished gemstone among collectors and connoisseurs worldwide.