Alexandrite is an extremely rare gemstone and a fairly modern one as well. It does not share the ancient history and lore of most other gems due to the fact that it was first discovered in the 19th Century. The name Alexandrite comes from the fact that the gemstone was first discovered in the emerald mines near the Tokovaya River in Russia's Ural Mountains in 1830, on the day of Prince Alexander II of Russia's birthday. Because the stones appeared green or red, the same colors as Old Imperial Russia's military colors, the stone became the national stone of tsarist Russia. In time, alexandrite would become one of the most prized gemstones amongst Russian Aristocracy. Alexandrites are also useful for one's emotional well being, as well as promoting self-esteem and the ability to be appreciative of the world around us.
