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What is Zandrite, and do you like it?

#1

I decided to try out the tv presentation, and purchased two 2.5
ovals to put in pendant castings and then dangle from earrings. I am
not sure about the exact make up of the stone, but he is totally
correct in that they do change 100% from a lite pink (similar to
that of Kunzite) to a very different light greenish color, not
peridot color, more like a light kelly green. i have gotten many
compliments on them and just bought several more smaller ones. The
color changes when you in a building with flourscent lighting, and
then changes back to pink once you go outside or in natural light.

#2

Hi All, Zandrite is a doped glass with a refractive index and a
specific gravity well within the range of glass. The problem is
that glass is a soft material and is notoriously prone to chipping.
The cost for the manufacture and faceting is probably minimal, so I
consider it a cheap simulant for alexandrite; pretty, but none of
the good features of the stone. It’d probably be a fun stone to
use, but again it’s a matter of disclosure as to what it actually
is.

Richard

#3

I have not tried it or seen it, but it appears to most likely be
glass, which has had some metallic sputtering done on it to produce
the “color change” of alexandrite. So I would guess that, provided
they really are as described, the price is probably fair. Although I
have seen “dime store” jewelry (my Mom has a piece that predates the
appearance of alexandrite!) with the same general effect, probably
for less money.

Margaret

#4

Hi Marian. Zandrite is a doped glass and is probably the same
substance as the color-change glass that is also marketed as
Alexandrium. As long as you know that it is, indeed, a simulant made
in a laboratory, and that it is basically glass, with the same or
similar durability as glass, AND you like it (possibly the most
important criterion), then by all means, use it. Only, please make
certain that you disclose to any purchaser or recipient that it is
what it is. Also, because it is glass, which hasn’t the best
durability, you are well served by making pendants and earrings from
it. Most other types of jewelry which can be more easily knocked
about, such as rings and bracelets, will not afford glass the
opportunity to stand up to the beating they’ll take. Have fun with
your new discovery!

James

#5

Hello All-

This seems to be similar to the old Alexandruim (doped glass) that I
was cutting 20 years ago, but all the material I acquired had a color
change from lilac/rose de france to a light aquamarine blue. This
material I was doped with Iridium. I recently bought a 2900-carat rod
from a scientific supply company in California which has the same
properties but the doping metal is Neodymium. The difference in this
material is that it shows a triple colour-change: Lilac/rose de
france in incandescent light, fine aqua in flourescent, and brilliant
(like neon) green-blue in sodium-halide. I discovered the last color
change when I wore a stone I had cut in a ring to the local Wal-Mart
and someone commented on the pretty stone. I use the angles for beryl
and get a pretty bright stone.

It is really too soft to place in a setting which will get banged
up, but I’m considering making some unusual pieces with it: A
"formal" eyepiece or monocle (it’s laser material and completely
flawless at low magnification) which would change color according to
the lighting, circlets, neclaces with alternating aquamarine and
lilac amethyst to mess with things visually, etc. Anyone else have
ideas for this neat material?

Cheers
Clyde Gilbert