Revered by gem lovers and purveyors, Alexandrite is an exceptional ‘two-in-one gem’, that changes its color from a lush green to a deep raspberry red with a change in source illumination.
This alchemy has earned it the moniker ‘Emerald by day; Ruby by night’. The remarkable rarity, irresistible beauty and ever changing hues of Alexandrite makes it one of the most cherished and highly sought after gems.
In this blog, we explore everything you need to know about this incredible gem- its meaning, history, symbolism, properties, sources, value factors, famous pieces and proper care and cleaning.
A Chameleon Of Gems / What Is Alexandrite
Alexandrite is a variety of the prolific chrysoberyl family, that displays a color change dependent upon the nature of ambient lighting.
The most coveted alexandrites transform from a lush green or bluish green in daylight/ fluorescent light to bright red or purplish red under a candle flame or incandescent light.
This gem’s transformation may be so striking that the color-change phenomenon itself is often called ‘the Alexandrite effect’.
While few other gem minerals like corundum, garnet and spinel can also exhibit color change, none radiate such vivid and profound color change as an alexandrite.
History Of Alexandrite
A reddish purple Natural Alexandrite 
A Mint Green Alexandrite
Alexandrite was first discovered in 1834 by a Finnish mineralogist Nils Gustaf Nordenskiöld, deep in the hearts of Russia’s Ural Mountains.
Initially mistaken for emerald, the stone perplexed miners at sundown when it transformed from vibrant green to deep red.
The name ‘Alexandrite’ was chosen to honour the Russian Tsar Alexander II. Legend states that this beautiful stone was found on the day the heir became of age on his 16th birthday.
Since then, these gems have been associated with nobility and they retain their exclusive status to this day.
The red and green colours observed also mirror the colors of the national military of Imperial Russia and it was later declared the official stone of Russia.
Gemologist’s Hats On / Key Gemological Properties
There are certain key gemological properties of alexandrite as follows, which readily separate it from other imitations or simulants.
| Variety | Alexandrite |
| Mineral Species | Chrysoberyl |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic |
| Refractive Index (R.I) | 1.746- 1.755 |
| Optic Character | Doubly Refractive |
| Specific Gravity (S.G) | 3.73 |
| Hardness (Mohs scale) | 8.5 |
| Toughness | Good to Excellent |
| Luster | Vitreous |
Sources / Where Is Alexandrite Mined
Alexandrite was originally mined in the Tokowaya Valley (Ural Mountains) in Russia.
However, those rich seams were depleted long ago.
Since 1987, alexandrite has been found in other locations such as Brazil, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, India, Tanzania, Madagascar, Mexico, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, Spain and Australia.
Each region produces a different variation in colour.
More Rarer Than Diamonds / Is Alexandrite Rare
Alexandrite’s rarity is unquestionable and it’s far rarer than diamonds.
Prices for fine specimens above a single carat will rival fine quality rubies, emeralds and diamonds, making them one of the most expensive gemstones in the world.
This gem is rare because its creation requires the geological marriage of different elements such as beryllium and chromium. As conditions fostering such development during the Earth’s formation were rare, the occurrence of alexandrite is very small.
In the Russian mines where it was originally discovered, just one stone of alexandrite was found for every hundred emeralds!
Despite the limited supply, their demand continues to soar high. Today, they are finding popularity in the mainstream thanks to a growing appreciation for exotic stones.
How To Judge Alexandrite’s Value / Quality Factors
Color:
The most prized stones change from a verdant green to an intense red without a hint of brown. They have medium-dark tone and moderately strong saturation.
The less valuable examples tend to display blue-green and purplish or brownish red colouration.
The amount of colour change observed is often given as a percentage – with a 100% colour change from one hue to the other being the most valuable.
Thus, the higher the intensity, color consistency and contrast between the two colours, the higher the value of the stone
Clarity:
Alexandrite is a Type II clarity gemstone, which often displays visible inclusions such as needles, fingerprints and multi-phase inclusions. Faceted stones with maximum transparency and minimum flaws are a rare find.
Cut:
Alexandrites are most commonly fashioned into traditional shapes such as round, oval, pear and marquise cuts. In case the rough material possesses chatoyancy or cats-eye, it is cut into cabochon.
Its quite challenging for the lapidaries to give the stone a perfect cut in order to show the strongest color change and retain maximum weight.
Carat Weight:
Alexandrite is rarely found in large sizes.
Most alexandrite stones are quite small in size and faceted stones weigh less than 1 carat. A stone weighing more than three carats is considered to be extremely rare and thus valuable.
Mystical Properties / Benefits
Alexandrite does not have one, but multiple legends surrounding it.
Some folklore share the common notion that a person who wears this stone receives immense luck, fortune and love.
It fosters creativity, imagination and intuition, helping the wearer strive towards excellence.
Those who often face emotional turmoil can also heal using this stone, as it’s said to boast self-esteem, will power and the ability to be appreciative of the world around us.
It inspires the wearer to seek joy and happiness in everyday life.
Also regarded as the ‘stone of travellers’, alexandrite helps one to adapt to a new environment and understand unusual ways of life.
This color morphing gem is also known to heal the body by restoring internal as well as physical energy.
Care And Cleaning
Alexandrite is a fairly durable gemstone with a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale, making it ideal for daily wear and endowing it with the ability to be set into any piece of jewelry.
While it is strong enough to resist scratches or abrasions, it is still important to take good care and avoid sharp blows, otherwise it might just break or chip.
Alexandrite can be cleaned using ultrasonic and steam cleaners; however, care should always be taken when using these methods.
It is far safer to use warm soapy water and a clean, soft lint‐free cloth.
It is recommended to store your gem in a fabric lined box to keep it away from getting scratched by harder gems. It is advisable to store alexandrite jewelry separately, as it could scratch or chip other softer gems with a low hardness rating.
Fast Facts
What’s more? Here’s a quick glimpse on more interesting facts about Alexandrite : –
- Alexandrite is one of the birthstones for the month of June, along with Pearl and Moonstone.
- It is the preferred gemstone for the 55th wedding anniversary.
- Unlike most other gemstones, Alexandrite is typically untreated.
- The largest faceted alexandrite (a whopping 65.7 carats) was found in Sri Lanka, and is on display in the Smithsonian, Washington D.C.
- The Whitney Alexandrite is a 17.08 carats cushion-cut stone.
With its exceptional size, clarity and amazing color change, this gem is one of the finest known stone from Hematita Mine in Minas Gerais, Brazil. It is on display at the National Museum of Natural History.
