Alexandrite, The Tsarstone Collectors Guide –– Insidious Siberian

Alexandrite, The Tsarstone Collectors Guide
by David Weinberg
Chapter 1: Insidious Siberian
< http://www.multicolour.com/alexandrite/chapter1/ >
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...
Full story at: http://www.multicolour.com/alexandrite/chapter1/