What Is Alexandrite? The Colour-Changing Gemstone Explained

Quick Answer: Alexandrite is a rare variety of chrysoberyl that displays an extraordinary colour-change: green in daylight and red-purple in incandescent light. This dramatic shift — sometimes described as 'emerald by day, ruby by night' — is caused by the way the stone absorbs light, with the unusual property of equally strong absorption peaks in both the green and red parts of the spectrum. It is one of the most prized and expensive coloured gemstones in the world.

Alexandrite does not just change colour — it transforms. The green of outdoor light (in the same stone that glows red in candlelight) is not a subtle shift. It is a complete reinvention. Discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in 1830, reportedly on the birthday of Tsar Alexander II (hence the name), it became the national stone of Imperial Russia — its green and red mirroring the Russian military colours.

Where Does Alexandrite Come From?

The original and finest alexandrite came from the Ural Mountains of Russia. The Russian deposit is nearly exhausted; the finest Russian alexandrite is now almost entirely in private and museum collections. In 1987, significant deposits were discovered in Hematita, Brazil — the Brazilian material shows good colour change but less dramatic than the finest Russian stones. Other sources include Sri Lanka (good transparency, moderate colour change), East Africa (Tanzania, Madagascar), and India (Andhra Pradesh).

What Causes the Colour Change?

Alexandrite contains chromium impurities — the same element that makes ruby red and emerald green. In alexandrite, the chromium creates absorption bands at both ends of the visible spectrum. In natural daylight (which has a balanced spectrum), the eye perceives green. In incandescent light (weighted toward red wavelengths), the eye perceives red-purple. The human eye's sensitivity in the transition zone between these wavelengths makes the green-to-red shift particularly dramatic.

Alexandrite Quality and Value

The stronger and more dramatic the colour change, the more valuable the stone. A fine alexandrite with vivid, saturated colours in both states is among the most expensive gemstones per carat — fine Russian alexandrite can exceed diamond prices per carat. Brazilian stones are more accessible. Synthetic alexandrite (lab-grown) is widely available and shows excellent colour change at a fraction of the natural stone's price.

Alexandrite in Indian Jewellery

Alexandrite is not a traditional Vedic planetary stone, but it has growing popularity in Indian jewellery for its extraordinary visual drama. For those who love the energy of transformation and change, alexandrite is a uniquely appropriate stone — it literally embodies the experience of being one thing in one context and another thing entirely in another. It is also cat's eye chrysoberyl's sibling in the mineral family.

FAQ

How do I tell real alexandrite from synthetic?

Both show genuine colour change. Key differences: natural alexandrite often has slight inclusions (internal features) visible under magnification; lab-grown is typically flawless. Colour change in natural stones is often slightly more complex and organic. A gemological certificate from GIA or a credible laboratory is the only reliable proof of natural vs synthetic origin.

Is alexandrite suitable for daily wear?

Yes. Alexandrite is an 8.5 on the Mohs scale — very hard and suitable for all jewellery types including rings. It is one of the most durable coloured gemstones. No special care beyond normal gemstone jewellery care.

How much does alexandrite cost?

Fine natural Russian alexandrite (1 carat+) can cost $10,000–$70,000+ per carat depending on the strength of colour change and provenance. Brazilian and Indian alexandrite is much more accessible — quality 1-carat stones can be found from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Synthetic alexandrite is available for tens to hundreds of dollars.

What is the meaning of alexandrite as a birthstone?

Alexandrite is the June birthstone (along with pearl and moonstone). It is considered a stone of good luck, prosperity, and intellect. Its colour-changing nature makes it symbolically associated with adaptability, balance between opposing energies, and the ability to see different perspectives.

Alexandrite is the stone that refuses to be only one thing — which makes it one of the most honest gemstones of all. At KANSYA, we love materials that carry genuine character. Explore our gemstone jewellery collection.