Alexandrite

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˌæl.ɪɡˈzæn.dɹaɪt/

Definitions

1. A specific type of chrysoberyl that displays a striking color change from green to red depending on the light source
2. A rare gemstone belonging to the chrysoberyl family, recognized for its ability to shift colors from green to red based on illumination
3. A precious stone characterized by a unique color shift from green to red depending on the lighting conditions it is viewed under

Etymology: Alexandrite was named in honour of Alexander II of Russia, who became tsar in 1855. The stone was first found in the Ural Mountains, and its discovery is traditionally dated to 1830, a date often cited for the find that drew attention to it. Because the gem was found on or around the tsar's coming-of-age, its colour seemed to echo the Russian imperial colours of green and red, which made it a fitting national emblem. The name itself is simple in construction: "Alexander" joined to the mineral suffix "-ite", the standard ending for mineral names. Once the stone had a name, it was a Russian treasure for decades, and the suffix shows how mineralogists of the period labelled newly identified substances after a person or place.