Alexandrite Flux Melt

Synthetic: Flux Melt

Identification Tools Required: Magnification, Chelsea filter, diffraction grating spectroscope.

How to Identify: 

Primary Test: The “rain” patterns are fairly classic and diagnostic for a flux grown synthetic alexandrite. They appear totally unnatural and too directional for natural inclusions.

Secondary Tests: Spectroscope will help as the chromium lines will be very strong due to a high volume of Cr used in the synthesizing process. Also helpful will be the Chelsea filter as the red reaction is very strong due to the increased Cr levels. Color change is also important as the color change of synthetic alexandrite will be significantly different than most naturals. Too much in the green to purple, far more than the most rare of the natural alexandrites.

Repair and Setting: Based on this being a true synthetic alexandrite no special care is required other than would be used with a natural alexandrite. Not recommended for heating, but cleaning in ultrasonic should not be a problem.