Colour Changing Gem - ID Possibilities?

[millymolly]

I have this 14k Russian gold ring with a stone that, in normal light, looks purple. But when I check it with a white led light attached to my loupe, it turns blue/green (depends on angle and who is looking it seems). The purple shade also varies, depending on what light you're using. It can be paler, lilac purple, or a rich, warm purple under yellower light.

I have researched a bit, and my understanding is alexandrite usually changes colour in the opposite direction to this stone - green under normal light, purple under the incandescent light.

I've noted the facets are worn/damaged in a way that makes me think it is a softer stone.

Unfortunately I am so far only able to capture the purple with my camera (attached). Will experiment with lighting to try to capture the other colour tomorrow (it's midnight here in Australia).

Thanks in advance for any ideas.

 

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[DDancer]

With out knowing the hardness its a bit of a guess. It does look antique so maybe that explains any wear on the stone. As to the stone I'd have to guess its an unevenly colored Amethyst. To explain the green you see it may have had some natural heat treatment. Check out this link and what its saying in the All About section : https://www.minerals.net/gemstone/amethyst_gemstone.aspx

 

[Tpmetal]

there are also types of glass that do this. Even an ancient example from rome or greece or something, can't remember exactly but it is a beautiful vessel.

 

[Clay Diggins]

It is an Alexandrite.

It's probably man made. If it's not man made it likely has great value. Good quality Alexandrites are very rare.

 

[millymolly]

It is an Alexandrite.

It's probably man made. If it's not man made it likely has great value. Good quality Alexandrites are very rare.

Thanks - my only confusion is that this changes in the opposite direction to alexandrite, which is green in daylight and changes to a warmer colour under incandescent light. This is shades of purple in daylight, and light green or blue in incandescent light. I personally see it as pale green, my son sees it as pale blue.

 

[millymolly]

Thanks for your reply. It is evenly coloured, the whole stone changes colour depending on the lighting. From light purple to rich, dark purple in various shades of normal lighting and to pale greenish blue under led light. I do believe it's a natural stone but it is so faceted it is difficult to see all the way through it to check inclusions/patterns, plus the colour change threw me and I became distracted. I have business this morning but will look at it this afternoon with higher magnification (so far only checked under 15x)

 

[millymolly]

I did not know that - Thanks. I will look into it further

 

[millymolly]

It seems I'm using posting incorrectly, so my apologies. I tried to reply earlier but can't see my post. Clay Diggins - I thought it may be alexandrite, the only issue is alexandrite is green in normal light and changes to a warmer colour in incandescent light. This does the exact opposite. I do think it's a natural stone, but will check on that further this afternoon when I have time.