Zimbabwean alexandrite

Alexandrite found at Girdlestone Farm are small well-formed orthorhombic repeated twins forming pseudo hexagonal crystals of gem quality with a strong color change, from dark green to purple red.

Locality details

Country	Zimbabwe
Region	Mashonaland West
Province	Masvingo (Fort Victoria)
Locality	Girdlestone Farm
Latitude	-21.4239
Longitude	30.7289
Altitude	1584
Time zone	UTC+2

Locality maps

Map	Satellite

The present situation in Zimbabwe means that the only major Sandawana emerald mine is now operating in the southwest Zvishavane region. The mines are worked by a private company and are known for producing small emeralds of fine color. Although alexandrite has been found in Zimbabwe, there is no current production.

See Alexandrite Tsarstone collectors guide, Zimbabwean alexandrite, Girdlestone Farm, http://www.alexandrite.net/viewpage.html?id=ALXS-001-00022 (Information about Zimbabwean alexandrite findings and mining in Girdlestone Farm, Zimbabwe.) (as of Feb. 08, 2012, 16:48 GMT).