Alexandrite (Chrysoberyl) & Gemstones

Alexandrite has a distinguished and glamorous past: it was discovered in 1830 in Czarist Russia. Named after the Russian Czar, Alexander II, alexandrite is the gemstone most noted for it's color changing abilities. Alexandrite is a green gem variety of the mineral chrysoberyl that actually changes color from green in daylight to red in incandescent light.

In 1987, a new find of alexandrite was made in Brazil at a locality called Hematita. The Hematita alexandrite shows a striking and attractive color change from raspberry red to bluish green.

Chrysoberyl (BeAl₂O₄) occurs most often in granitic rocks, pegmatites and mica schists. It has also been found in contact metamorphic deposits of dolomitic marble with corundum, and in fluorine skarns. Most chrysoberyl is recovered from river sands and gravels.

In the chrysoberyl variety cymophane, microscopic tubelike cavities or needlelike inclusions occur in an orientation parallel to the c-axis producing a chatoyant (cat's eye) effect visible as a single ray of light passing across the crystal. This effect is best seen in gemstones cut in cabochon form perpendicular to the c-axis.

The color in yellow chrysoberyl is due to Fe⁺³ impurities.

Alexandrite is still a beautiful, rare stone. When evaluating alexandrite, pay attention to the color change: the more dramatic and complete the shift from red to green, without the bleeding through of brown from one color to the next, the more rare and valuable the stone. It is very difficult to find natural alexandrite. Most Alexandrite on the market are synthetic. More on...

Colors: Green, blue

Lustre: Vitreous

System: Orthorhombic

Care and Treatment

Protect alexandrite from scratches, sharp blows, harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures. Be especially careful when getting this stone (re)mounted as the heat from a jewelers torch may affect its color change.

There are many many synthetic alexandrites on the market. Natural alexandrite is extremely rare and expensive.

Hardness

Alexandrite has a hardness rating of (Mohs') 8½

Specific Gravity: 3.71 - 3.72

Healing

Low self-esteem & difficulty centering imply need; central nervous system disorders; spleen & pancreas.

Birthstone Months

• June: Traditional Birthstone

Star Stone Months

• Alexandrite is not a star stone.

Anniversary Gemstone

Alexandrite is the anniversary gemstone for the 45th and 55th year of marriage.

 
Mystical Properties

Alexandrite can assist one in centering the self, reinforcing self-esteem, and augmenting ones ability to experience joy.

 
Lore

Alexandrite was discovered in 1830 in Czarist Russia. Since the old Russian imperial colors are red and green it was named after Czar Alexander II on the occasion of his coming of age.

Alexandrite is looked upon as a good omen in Russia.