Alexandrite Gemstone: Meaning, Colors, Origins, & Properties
August 29, 2024
A few nights ago, while waiting for a more interesting TV show, I came across the name Alexandrite on the Liquidation Channel. Even though the gem itself wasn’t shown, the name caught my attention and made me want to learn more about it. I’m glad I did because Alexandrite, like Morganite, has a fascinating story behind its name. But what makes Alexandrite really special is its ability to change colors, which once made it a highly sought-after gem in Russia.
When the Alexandrite mines in the Urals, where it was first found in the 19th century, seemed to run out of stones, the gem’s popularity faded. Then, in 1987, a new deposit was discovered in Brazil, bringing Alexandrite back into the limelight. Brazilian Alexandrite is known for its beautiful colors, clarity, and the amazing color-changing feature that makes it so desirable today.
What’s in a Name?
If you are thinking of Alexandra (an English Queen) or Alexander (the Great) you’re on the right track but the gem wasn’t named for either of them but for the Russian Tsar Alexander (1818-1881) because it was first discovered in April 1834 in an emerald mine in the Urals coincidentally on the very day the future tsar came of age, and since its colours are both red and green the Alexandrite became the national gem of tsarist Russia.
Alexandrite Gemstone Overview
To get a clear understanding of what makes Alexandrite so special, here’s a quick overview of its key features:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Gemstone Name | Alexandrite |
| Discovery | Discovered in April 1834 in the Urals, Russia |
| Named After | Tsar Alexander II |
| Color Change | Changes from green in daylight to red or purple in incandescent light |
| Hardness | 8.5 on the Mohs scale |
| Birthstone Month | June |
| Primary Sources | Brazil, Russia, Sri Lanka, Madagascar |
| Typical Colors | Green, Red, Purple |
| Meaning | Balance, Transformation, Renewal |
| Metaphysical Properties | Promotes personal growth and adaptability |
| Value Factors | Color change effect, clarity, size, and origin |
| Price Range | Can vary widely based on quality, size, and color change effect |
| Color Chart | Shows range from green to red or purple depending on light |
| Crystal Form | Raw form exhibits same color-changing properties |
| Hardness Scale | Mohs hardness scale rating of 8.5 |
Everything You Need to Know About Alexandrite
What is Alexandrite?
Alexandrite is a type of gemstone famous for its color-changing effect. This means that it can look different colors depending on the type of light. In natural daylight, it usually appears green. However, under artificial light, it can change to red or purple. This ability to shift colors is what makes Alexandrite so interesting and valuable.
Alexandrite Gemstone:
When we talk about the Alexandrite gemstone, we’re referring to this amazing stone in its polished form. It’s used in various types of jewelry and is cherished for its rare color-changing properties.
Alexandrite Hardness:
On the Mohs scale, Alexandrite is quite hard, rated at 8.5. This means it’s durable and can handle everyday wear without easily getting scratched or damaged. This hardness makes it a great choice for jewelry that you want to wear often.
Alexandrite Color:
One of the most fascinating aspects of Alexandrite is its color. The gemstone changes from green to red or purple depending on the light source. This dramatic color change is a big part of why Alexandrite is so sought after.
Alexandrite Stone Birthstone:
Alexandrite is the birthstone for June. If you or someone you know is born in June, Alexandrite makes a beautiful and meaningful birthstone gift. It symbolizes balance, renewal, and transformation, reflecting the changes in its color.
Alexandrite Crystal:
Alexandrite crystals are the raw form of the gemstone before it’s cut into shapes for jewelry. These crystals still have the color-changing properties of the finished gemstones.
Alexandrite Stone Meaning:
The meaning behind Alexandrite is all about change and growth. It symbolizes balance and renewal, making it a meaningful choice for anyone who values these qualities.
Alexandrite Properties:
Besides its color-changing ability, Alexandrite has other notable properties. Its hardness makes it durable, and its unique visual effects make it a favorite among gem enthusiasts.
Alexandrite Color Chart:
This chart helps to show the range of colors Alexandrite can display. It gives you an idea of how the stone’s color might change in different types of light.
| Lighting Condition | Color Displayed | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Daylight / Fluorescent | Green | In natural light, Alexandrite typically appears green, which can range from light to dark green depending on the quality of the stone. |
| Incandescent Light | Red / Purple | Under incandescent light, Alexandrite shows a red to purple hue, which can vary from a deep red to a lighter purple depending on the stone's quality and angle of light. |
| Mixed Lighting | Green to Red / Purple | In mixed lighting conditions (a combination of natural and artificial light), Alexandrite may show a range of colors from green to red or purple, depending on the balance of light sources. |
| Artificial Lighting | Yellowish Green to Reddish Brown | In certain artificial lights, Alexandrite may display hues from yellowish-green to reddish-brown, showing less pronounced color change compared to daylight or incandescent light. |
| Overcast / Cloudy Light | Dull Green to Grayish Green | On overcast days or in cloudy conditions, the color of Alexandrite can appear more muted, often showing a dull green or grayish-green tone. |
| Spotlight | Enhanced Green to Red / Purple | Under direct spotlights, Alexandrite's color change effect can be more vivid, highlighting its range from green to red or purple depending on the light source. |
Alexandrite June Birthstone Meaning:
As the birthstone for June, Alexandrite is associated with special qualities. It’s believed to bring good fortune and positive changes, making it a cherished gemstone for those born in this month.
Where is Alexandrite Found?
Alexandrite can be found in several places around the world, including Brazil, Russia, Sri Lanka, and other regions. Each location can produce stones with slightly different characteristics.
Real Alexandrite Stone:
A real Alexandrite stone is an authentic gemstone that shows the true color-changing effect. Genuine stones are rare and valued for their unique properties.
Alexandrite Gem Stone:
This term refers to the Alexandrite in its various forms, whether it’s raw, cut, or polished. Each gem shows the same distinctive color changes.
Colors of Alexandrite:
The colors of Alexandrite can vary from green to red or purple, depending on the light. This range of colors is one of the gemstone’s most appealing features.
Alexandrite Metaphysical Properties:
Alexandrite is also known for its metaphysical properties, which are believed to include promoting balance and personal growth. This adds to the gemstone’s allure for those interested in its spiritual significance.
Alexandrite Gemstone Characteristics and Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Grades | High Grade: Strong color change, high clarity; Medium Grade: Noticeable color change, good clarity; Low Grade: Limited color change, lower clarity |
| Sources by Region | Brazil: Known for rich green and red color change; Russia: Historically significant, often deep green to red; Sri Lanka: Typically lighter green with less dramatic color change; Madagascar: Various shades of green and red |
| Color Change Effect | Strong: Vibrant green to red or purple; Moderate: Green to brownish-red; Faint: Minimal color change, more subtle |
| Typical Sizes | Small: 1-2 carats; Medium: 3-5 carats; Large: 5+ carats (rarer and more valuable) |
| Common Shapes | Round, Oval, Cushion, Emerald-cut |
| Uses in Jewelry | Rings: Engagement rings, statement rings; Earrings: Studs, dangles; Pendants: Necklaces, lockets |
| Price Influencers | Color Quality: Strong color change and vivid hues increase value; Clarity: Fewer inclusions lead to higher prices; Size: Larger stones are more valuable; Origin: Stones from famous sources (e.g., Russian) may command higher prices |
| Popular Settings | Prong Settings: To showcase color change; Bezel Settings: For added protection; Halo Settings: Enhances overall appearance |
| Care and Maintenance | Regular cleaning with mild soap and water; Avoiding harsh chemicals; Periodic professional inspections for setting stability |
| Investment Potential | High-quality Alexandrite can be a good investment due to its rarity and unique characteristics |
| Symbolic Meaning | Often associated with rebirth, transformation, and fortune |
The miracle of changing colours
The Alexandrite really is an incredible gemstone with a most sensational feature, namely, its surprising ability to change colours according to the light it’s in. Example: in daylight, the Alexandrite is green or bluish-green; in incandescent or artificial light, the Alexandrite turns a soft shade of red, raspberry red, or reddish purple. This colour change is also independent of one’s viewing angle in whatever light.
Not surprisingly, this unique optical characteristic makes the Alexandrite one of the most valuable gemstones, especially in fine qualities like those discovered in the Urals. But it is also valuable because it is rare and especially valuable if its origin is undisputed Russian to make a one-carat among the most expensive gemstones in the world and rarer than a fine sapphire, emerald or ruby.
Myth & Lore
The Alexandrite is believed to possess magical qualities – probably because of its mysterious colour-changing ability – and be a good omen or talisman because it strengthens the wearer’s intuition to help him/her find a way out of a situation where logic fails and there appears to be no answer or way forward.
It is also reputed to inspire the imagination and aid creativity. It is also said to be a stone for collectors, experts, connoisseurs, and gem enthusiasts because only they can discern and appreciate its uniqueness and high value that are not immediately evident.
Quick Facts About Alexandrite
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Color Change | From green in daylight to red or purple in artificial light |
| Clarity | Typically transparent, but may have inclusions; high clarity is more valuable |
| Common Settings | Prong settings, bezel settings, halo settings |
If you are one of those people, you perhaps may have felt some of the mysterious magic and lore ascribed to the Alexandrite and like all the others who love it you too are completely and utterly fascinated by this uniquely beautiful gemstone.
Check Out Our Most Popular Jewelry Collections
- Moissanite Engagement Rings
- Diamond Earrings
- Lab Grown Engagement Rings
- Natural and Lab Grown Diamond Wedding Bands
- Sapphire Engagement Rings
- Mens Wedding Bands
- Natural and Lab Grown Diamond Eternity Rings
