A Legacy of Mystery and Metamorphosis

Alexandrite is one of the rarest and most captivating gemstones in the world—renowned for its enchanting ability to change color with the light. Discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s and named in honor of the future Tsar Alexander II, alexandrite quickly became a symbol of imperial elegance and good fortune. Its dynamic beauty has fascinated gem collectors and royalty ever since.

The Magic of Color Change

What sets alexandrite apart is its remarkable optical phenomenon: in daylight, it appears green to bluish-green, while under incandescent light, it transforms into a rich red or purplish-red. This dramatic shift, caused by the presence of chromium in its crystal structure, evokes a sense of magic—earning it the phrase: "Emerald by day, ruby by night."

This rare chameleon-like quality makes alexandrite a prized treasure, not just for its rarity, but also for the sense of wonder it inspires. In 19th-century Russia, it was considered a symbol of balance and duality—honoring both light and shadow, strength and softness.

Types of Alexandrite

Though all alexandrite's display the celebrated color change, their origins influence their visual characteristics:

• Sri Lankan Alexandrite: Typically paler in both hues, these gems still display graceful transitions and are valued for their availability and unique charm.
  
  

  Physical & Optical Properties

  • Hardness: 8.0–8.5 on the Mohs scale—suitable for everyday wear with care.

  • Color Change: The most valuable alexandrites exhibit a sharp and vibrant transition between green and red hues.

  • Clarity: Generally clean to the eye, though inclusions may occur. High-clarity stones with strong color change are particularly prized.

  • Russian Alexandrite: The original and most sought-after, prized for its vivid green-to-red transformation and exceptional clarity.

  • Brazilian Alexandrite: Discovered later, often shows strong color change but may lean toward brownish or yellowish tones in some specimens.

   

  Chemical Composition
  

  Alexandrite is a variety of chrysoberyl with the formula:
  BeAl₂O₄, colored by trace amounts of chromium. Its unique atomic structure allows it to absorb light differently based on the light source, resulting in its famed duality.
  
  

  As a Birthstone
  

• Alexandrite is one of the birthstones for June, alongside pearl and moonstone, and marks the 55th wedding anniversary. It symbolizes transformation, intuition, and resilience—an ideal gem for those embracing change and evolving identities.

  Choosing Your Alexandrite

  • Color Change: The hallmark of alexandrite. Seek stones with a dramatic shift from vivid green in daylight to deep red or purplish-red under incandescent light.

  • Color Quality: Avoid dull or overly dark tones. The green should be rich and lively; the red, warm and glowing. Even distribution of color enhances both beauty and value.

  • Clarity: While some inclusions are acceptable, clean stones are more valuable.

  • Cut: Common shapes include round, cushion, and emerald cuts—chosen to highlight the gem’s color change and brilliance.

  • Carat Weight: Large alexandrite's are extremely rare. Even smaller stones with strong color play can command high value.

  WOW FACT!!
  

  One of the largest and most famous alexandrite's ever discovered is a 65.7-carat gem from Sri Lanka, showcasing a mesmerizing green-to-raspberry-red transition. Its rarity and size make it a marvel of nature.