QuestionI recently purchased a sterling silver marcasite ring from any antique store. In the store, the center heart shaped stone looked clear. However, when I got it outside, the stone turned deep purple. Under different lighting it has appeared pink, and under lights in the airport, it actually looked blue. I have taken it to several jewelers who said it is synthetic, but they have no idea what type of stone it is. Some have said synthetic alexandrite, however from what I have read, alexandrites don't change to thses particular colors. Can you help? Thank you.
AnswerHello,
You are right to a degree. Most of the syn. Alexandrite out there is actually corundum. The same as sapphire and ruby. It is purple under incandescent lights (bulbs) and blue green under sunlight or fluorescent lights (long tubes). Actual synthetic Alexandrite is chrysoberyl. They grow those crystals as well, which more closely resembles natural Alex. which ideally is red/green.
However there are other colors which are not as desirable (natural stones). Your ring being sterling silver suggest it is most likely the corundum variety. Or it could be some other type of synthetic I am not aware of. Without seeing it first hand it is impossible to say.
I hope this helps you in someway. I would suggest if you really want to know seek out a gemologist to look at it. Most good jewelry stores have one on staff. Around here they would provide the service for free unless you wanted a written appraisal.
Good Luck,
Steven D.Covey
