What exactly is Alexandrite-Effect (Color Change) Garnet??
This relatively recent find of garnet is unlike most other ‘color change’ garnets that have made their way to market in the past. Most other ‘color change’ garnet is a “color shifting” garnet, typically going from a reddish orange to iced tea or root beer color – not the green to purple of natural alexandrite which came out of Brasil back in 1987. The color change from green to purple is a true color change. This new find of garnet from Africa, as well as Sri Lanka, is a true color change garnet and is therefore reminiscent of Alexandite; color change garnet of this type is even more rare than Alexandrite. Color change occurs because of the transmission/absorption characterics of an element and the available wavelengths of light. For example, chromium and vanadium are thought to cause the color change in Alexandrite when the stone is moved from an incandescent light source to a fluorescent light source. You will see distinct changes in color with this garnet when the stone is taken fro
