Nothing quite compares to the decadence and glamour that a piece of Alexandrite jewelry provides.

Regarded as some of the rarest, most expensive and most magical gemstones in the world, the Alexandrite has become the crème de la crème of jewels. In fact, recent surveys are showing that most brides dream of getting to wear a fabulous Alexandrite ring on their finger during their big wedding day—and we don’t blame them! Why wouldn’t you want to feel like a royal when exchanging vows?

And for those lucky enough to be born in June, the Alexandrite gemstone is one of the birthstones for this month. And for those that make it to 55 years of marriage, it is the traditional anniversary stone for the happy couple!

While we all know the extravagance that is associated with the Alexandrite, few of us likely know the Alexandrite meaning and history behind it.

We’ve gathered up the most unique and must-know facts about the rich history behind the Alexandrite to give you a full appreciation for just how truly special this gemstone is—and why getting one is such an incredible gift.

1. Found from the depths of the Russian mines
The Alexandrite gemstone was actually found in an emerald mine in Russia. In fact, it was discovered deep in the Ural mountains while workers were actually focused on trying to mine emerald. However, the supply of the Alexandrite gemstone in this region proved to be extremely rare, with the initial source becoming depleted not too long after the initial discovery date.

2. Named after a young Russian Czar
Well, technically, Czar Alexander II was still a Prince when the Alexandrite gemstone was discovered. But it was actually discovered on the day of his 16th birthday and presented to him during his coming of age celebration. Hence, this rare and unique gemstone was aptly named after Czar Alexander himself—signaling the gemstone that is truly fit for a royal.

3. It was claimed a national stone of Russia
When the gemstone was first discovered, little was actually known about the science behind the color-morphing abilities of the Alexandrite. But what was apparent quite quickly back then was that the gemstone seemed to take on colors of both red and green—which just so happened to be Russia’s military colors. Hence, the Alexandrite was dubbed a national stone of Russia and one of the most sought after amongst the elite class that called the country home.

4. Near extinct from Russia by the end of the 19th Century
Because of the high demand amongst aristocrats to get their own Alexandrite gemstone during the 19th Century, it did not take long for this rare gemstone to be almost completely mined out in the Ural mountains. With rarity comes extreme costs, which is one of the reasons why this gemstone has always only been something the most elite classes could afford.

5. A timely discovery in other countries
Just when Russia thought they would run out of Alexandrite gemstone for good, large deposits of this precious stone was actually found in numerous other countries, including Sri Lanka and Brazil. Now, both of these countries continue to be some of the largest contributors to the Alexandrite gemstone in the world.

6. Tiffany’s mainstreamed the gemstone
While the Alexandrite gemstone had already found its way into both Russian and French jewelry stores, it was Tiffany’s that made this gemstone mainstream and quickly sought after by the general public. Legend has it that the master gem buyer of Tiffany’s—George Kunz—actually traveled to Russia to search for it himself. No one knows exactly how, but soon after the major jewelry store had some of the larges reserves of Alexandrite in the world that they practically had the monopoly on the market for years.

7. Bringing good luck to the beholders
Now a days, people like you can purchase and even design their own Alexandrite jewelry. The gemstone itself is regarded as one of the ultimate engagement rings and is said to bring the beholder good luck, romance and a connection to the spiritual world. But because this gemstone continues to be one of the rarest stones, the jewelry comes with a well-deserved price tag. But trust us, it is worth it for a gemstone that can literally morph into any color on the spectrum.

The history of the Alexandrite gemstone is filled with a royal past and a global presence. As it’s history and true value continue to be understood around the world, the desire to wear this gemstone and the willingness to pay a premium to do so will only continue to rise. And that is what makes the Alexandrite so special.