Alexandrite, The Tsarstone Collectors Guide by David Weinberg
Chapter 1: Insidious Siberian <
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> On 17 April 1834, the Russian Empire was celebrating the sixteenth birthday of the future Tsar Alexander II, one of the most controversial characters in Russian history. At around the same time, a colour changing gemstone was found in the Urals's Izumrudnye Kopi (Emerald mines) on the Tokovaya River, 85 versts (96 kilometres) to the east of Ekaterinburg and the noble story of the most scarce and fascinating precious stone was born and irrevocably associated with Alexander II, through being named in his honour - Alexandrite. Alexandrite became symbolic of the reign of Alexander II, and later tsarist Russia in general. The fact that the stone's colours of red and green echoed the principal colours of Imperial Russia endeared it to many. Moreover, the magic of the changing colours directly reflected the thoughts of a society ruled by Tsars since 1480, where every written and spoken word had a second meaning and allegory was the main form of expressing notions different from the official ideology.
The mystical dualism of Alexandrite lies within Tsar Alexander II's figure who ascended the throne during Russia's defeat in the Crimean War of 1855. The early part of his reign was characterised by sweeping reforms and his liberal approach earned him the title of "Tsar Liberator". The green of Alexandrite in daylight was taken to represent the hope and revival brought to Russia by Alexander II's efforts. "Green morning full of hopes" came into the lives of many when Alexander II emancipated the serfs and initiated the transformation of the flagging agrarian Russian economy into an industrial state...
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