KNOW THE GAMS

Alexandrite Substitutes. Alexandrite has been synthesized in :)oratory with a distinct and beautiful color change. Synthetic Alexandrite is not cheap, however. It may sometimes be called Alex-e. What is often sold to unwary travelers in other countries as Alexandrite" is a cheap synthetic corundum with a color change for blue-gray to lilac. Considering the high cost of genuine and even -tic alexandrite, a cheap price is a tip-off that the gem is not t is supposed to be.

Cat's-eye Chrysoberyl. Historically, the only genuine cat's-eye cat's-eye chrysoberyl. The most desirable cat's-eyes are yellow or greenish yellow that show a narrow slit of silvery blue light. .:ray-green, and brown colors are less desirable, as are cat's eyes that are broad, dull, or white in the formation of the slit.

Cat's-eyes have traditionally been supposed to bring good luck to the wearer-and to avert the bad luck associated with the number 13. They are also supposed to ward off evil spells, to protect the wearer from financial ruin, and to be good for asthma.

Cat's-eye Substitutes. Cat's-eye chrysoberyl has not been synthesized. Cat's-eye effects, however, occur in many different stones, none of which is as valuable or expensive as chrysoberyl. For this reason, make sure you know what the gem is.

CORAL

Coral is not a mineral but an animal product-the calcified accretion of a marine animal called the coral polyp (Corallium rubrum) that creates what we know as coral as its home. Coral come, in many colors: white, a pale red or pink called Angel Skin or pelle d’angelo orange, rose, and several shades of red.