Alexandrite is a rare color change variety of chrysoberyl and one of the 3 birthstones for June. The most unique thing about alexandrite is that it showcases green and red, while also having color change properties. Alexandrite is aptly named “Emerald by day, ruby by night”. Let’s learn more about this chameleon of gems.

Alexandrite was first discovered in 1830 by miners in the Ural Mountains of Russia. Since green and red were colors of Imperial Russia’s flag, they named it “alexandrite” after the empire’s Czar Alexander II.

Color change is a defining characteristic that sets this gem apart from other chrysoberyls. The color change is the result of the intricate way the mineral absorbs light due to chromium content under certain lighting conditions. This phenomenon is known as the “Alexandrite Effect”. The gem selectively absorbs most colors of light and transmits very strongly in the green and red wavelengths. In daylight (or fluorescent) strong in blue and green light, it appears green. When viewed under incandescent light (candlelight or firelight is best) transmits the strong reds produced by that kind of light.

Typically, alexandrite shows off its beautiful emerald green color in daylight and purplish-red under incandescent. It can also occur with yellowish or pink colors. Some rare specimens can even exhibit cat’s eye effect when cut into cabochons.

Location has alot to do with specific colors as well.

For instance, Alexandrite from Sri Lanka are more khaki to brown in color.

Zimbabwe sourced Alexandrite displays the color change and are typically darker with tints of purple.

Alexandrite from Tanzania occur in lighter colors.

Brazilian alexandrite is known for its blue to purplish color change.

Generally, the more distinguished the color change from green to red, the rarer and more valuable the gemstone.

Alexandrite is an eye clean gemstone meaning it has very few inclusions. In raw crystal form, it can range from transparent to opaque. A cut and polished alexandrite shows off its glassy lustre.

The most common shapes for alexandrites are round, oval, cushion, pear, and marquise. In the case of the gem having a cat’s eye effect, it’s typically cut into a cabochon.

Alexandrite is rarely found in large sizes. A gem weighing more than 3 carats is considered to be extremely rare and highly valuable. The largest known alexandrite is a whopping 65.08 cushion cut carat worth 4 MILLION DOLLARS in the Smithsonian Institute.

There is a dramatic rise in the price for clean alexandrites with exceptional color change and strong colors, especially for stones over 1 carat in weight. Fine quality alexandrite is considered more valuable than blue sapphire, emerald, and even ruby-especially for this cat eye effect.

Since the 1970s, labs have been able to produce synthetic alexandrite. Lab grown has the same look and properties as natural, but is less valuable. We will go into the differences more in another post.

A real life example of Therese’s expertise:

A client sent in jewelry she inherited from her grandmother. She assumed the purple gem in the pendant was an amethyst. While working on the design, Therese noticed the purple color was different from what she’s seen in amethyst. Using her gemology training and tools, she tested the gem and it turned out to be alexandrite. The gem went from being worth $100 as an amethyst to $6,000 as an alexandrite! You can trust and put your full faith in this gemologist! Let Therese help you find your true alexandrite!

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Custom Design Your Alexandrite

Alexandrite: The Chameleon of Gems

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Emerald: Most popular of the Beryls