Alexandrite is another member of the chrysoberyl family that can exhibit extreme color changes in various light sources. It is a very rare, unusual and sought after stone. It was first discovered in 1830 in the Ural Mountains of Russia, near Ekaterinburg on the birthday of the soon to be Czar Alexander II. This first pocket was found in an emerald mine and only sporadic pockets have occurred since -- the most recent in 1987 in Brazil. Here at Lavra de Hematita, in Minas Gerais, the world experienced the largest find ever, which seemingly would have lasted many years into the future. Unfortunately, it has since "dried up" and as a result, today's genuine alexandrite has constantly increased in price. Other locales for finding alexandrite, in addition to the Soviet Union and Brazil, are Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Tanzania, where they occasionally occur. We invite you to stop in and view the area's largest selection of genuine alexandrite at Ralph Miller Jewelers. In addition, please learn more about our annual alexandrite show and sale.