Alexandrite Value, Price, and Jewelry Information

An alexandrite crystal on micaceous schist, displaying green to red color shift. 3.7 x 2.7 x 1.5 cm, Malashova Mine, Ural Mountains, Russia. © Rob Lavinsky, www.iRocks.com. Used with permission.

What makes this guide essential for gem enthusiasts and jewelry lovers? You'll discover:

• The incredible science behind alexandrite's remarkable color-changing abilities.
• Detailed insights into the value and rarity of natural alexandrite gems.
• Comprehensive information about alexandrite's geological origins and historical significance.
• Expert knowledge on identifying, purchasing, and caring for alexandrite jewelry.
• Fascinating details about synthetic and natural alexandrite variations.

What is Alexandrite? Key Facts, Information, and Insights

Historical Context and Discovery

The story of Alexandrite begins in the Ural Mountains of Russia during the 1830s. Noted mineralogist Nils Gustaf Nordenskiöld first recognized this extraordinary gemstone's unique properties. In 1834, Count Lev Alekseevich Perovskii named the stone in honor of the future Czar of Russia, Alexander II.

As historian David Cannadine notes, the gem's association with Russian royalty significantly enhanced its prestige. By the 1950s, alexandrite was officially added to the list of birthstones as the modern alternative to the traditional pearl.

Rarity: A Geological Marvel

Alexandrite's formation requires a remarkable geological coincidence. It demands the presence of beryllium, one of the rarest elements on Earth, combined with chromium. These elements rarely coexist in conditions promoting gem formation.

Key factors contributing to alexandrite's extreme rarity include:

• The need for both beryllium and chromium to be present.
• Extremely specific geological conditions for formation.
• Limited and quickly exhausted original mining sources.

Despite new sources emerging since the 1980s, alexandrite remains one of the rarest gemstones on the planet, making each specimen incredibly precious.

Cat's Eye Alexandrite: A Rare Optical Phenomenon

As a variety of the chrysoberyl gem species, alexandrite can exhibit the fascinating chatoyancy or "cat's eye" effect when cut as a cabochon. However, such gems are exceptionally rare, making them even more valuable to collectors.

This oval cabochon alexandrite shows both exceptional color change and a sharp cat's eye across its entire surface. The dark blue-green to purple color change covers about 80-85% of the gem. (Look at the reflections carefully and you can see sunlight causing the blue-green color and incandescent light causing the purple color). 1.20 cts, 6 x 4.8 mm, Andhra Pradesh, India. © The Gem Trader. Used with permission.

Regional Variations and Characteristics

Different geographic sources produce alexandrites with distinct characteristics:

Brazilian Variations:

• Typically feature pale colors, ranging from pale blue-green to pale mauve
• Recent finds have yielded finer gems in limited quantities
• Gemologists have detected substantial gallium content in some Brazilian specimens

Sri Lankan and Russian Differences:

• Sri Lankan alexandrites often appear deep olive-green in sunlight
• Russian stones typically show a bluish-green hue in natural light

Zimbabwean Characteristics:

• Exhibit a fine, emerald-green color in sunlight
• Usually tiny, often weighing under 1 carat
• Considered to have among the best color changes despite limited availability

These alexandrites on biotite schist matrix from Brazil show a green to "amethystine" color change. 5.3 x 4.0 x 2.3 cm, Carnaiba mining district, Pindobacu, Campo Formoso ultramafic complex, Bahia, Brazil. © Rob Lavinsky, www.iRocks.com. Used with permission.

Other physical and optical properties of alexandrites vary according to their source.

Understanding Alexandrite Value and Pricing

Alexandrite value is driven by two primary factors that make this gem truly exceptional:

• The closer the colors are to pure green and pure red, the higher the gem's value becomes.
• The more distinct and complete the color change, the more precious the alexandrite becomes.

Alexandrites can exhibit color changes ranging from 100% to as little as 5%. The most valuable gems showcase a perfect 100% shift from pure green to pure red. Blue-green and purplish or brownish red variations hold significantly less market value.

Clarity and Size Impact

Clarity plays a crucial role in grading, though interestingly, an alexandrite's color change trumps its clarity in determining value. Most naturally occurring alexandrites aren't clean, facetable materials and are better suited for cabbing. An eye clean stone with a modest color change might be less valuable than an opaque cabochon displaying a complete color transformation.

Size dramatically influences alexandrite pricing:

• Up to one carat: Top-quality natural gems can sell for up to $15,000 per carat
• Over one carat: Prices range from $50,000 to $70,000 per carat

For more detailed value information, see our alexandrite buying guide.

This oval-cut alexandrite has a 100% color change, from a strong blue-green in sunlight to a purple "plum" red in incandescent light. 0.35 cts, 5.1 x 4.2 mm, Russia. For alexandrites, this is a large gem. © Rob Lavinsky, www.iRocks.com. Used with permission.

Synthetic and Simulated Alexandrite

A significant market exists for lab-created alexandrite, first synthesized in the 1960s. Manufacturers can create these stones through various methods:

• Melt techniques (e.g., Czochralski method)
• Hydrothermal growth
• Flux methods

These synthetic stones possess identical chemical and physical properties to natural alexandrites. While considerably less expensive than natural stones, they remain among the most costly synthetic gemstones available.

Identification Tips:

• Melt techniques can create curved striae.
• Hydrothermal growth may produce bubbles and liquid inclusions.
• Flux methods might leave platinum or other seed material inclusions.

A considerable market also exists for lookalikes or simulants. These can range from synthetic corundum with alexandrite-like color change (produced very inexpensively) to actual, natural color-change chrysoberyl stones. Although alexandrite is a variety of chrysoberyl, not all color-change chrysoberyls are alexandrites. These gems also command a high price, but, again, not nearly as high as alexandrites. (Editor's note: No gemological consensus exists for restricting the definition of alexandrite to color-change chrysoberyl gems with a limited, "classic" range of color shift).

Buyer beware. If you find an alexandrite at a relatively bargain price, it's likely not natural and possibly not an alexandrite. A professional gemological laboratory can make a determination.

Enhancements

Natural alexandrites usually don't receive any treatments.

Sources and Availability

Current alexandrite sources include:

• Reopened Ural Mountain mines (producing few gem-quality carats annually)
• Brazil (discovered in 1987)
• Madagascar
• Myanmar
• Sri Lanka
• Zimbabwe

Notably, the main source of large, natural alexandrite gems today is antique jewelry.

Alexandrite Stones Sizes

The largest known faceted alexandrite, a 65.7-ct green/red color change stone from Sri Lanka, resides at the Smithsonian Institution. The largest Russian gems weigh about 30 carats. However, the vast majority of alexandrites weigh under one carat. Stones over five carats are very rare, especially with good color change.

Other alexandrites of notable size include in the following:

• British Museum of Natural History (London): 43 and 27.5 cts (Sri Lanka).
• Institute of Mines (St. Petersburg, Russia): cluster of three crystals, 6 x 3 cm (Urals).
• Fersman Museum (Moscow, Russia): crystal group, 25 x 15 cm, crystals up to 6 x 3 cm (Urals).
• Private Collections: stones up to 50 cts have been reported.

Practical Considerations for Alexandrite Ownership

With an impressive hardness of 8.5, alexandrite proves to be a durable gemstone suitable for various jewelry settings. However, some precautions are recommended:

• Avoid extreme heat
• Be mindful of potential knocks or impacts
• Clean mechanically or with warm, soapy water
• Consult a gemstone jewelry cleaning guide for specific care instructions

Frequently Asked Questions About Alexandrite

What makes alexandrite so unique?

Alexandrite is renowned for its remarkable color-changing ability, transforming from green in sunlight to red in incandescent light. Often described as "emerald by day, ruby by night," this gem is one of the most extraordinary stones in the world.

How rare is alexandrite?

Alexandrite is extremely rare. Its formation requires the presence of beryllium (one of the rarest elements on Earth) and chromium, which rarely occur together. Most alexandrites weigh under one carat, and stones over five carats are exceptionally uncommon.

When and where was alexandrite first discovered?

Alexandrite was discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s. Noted mineralogist Nils Gustaf Nordenskiöld first recognized its unique properties, and in 1834, Count Lev Alekseevich Perovskii named the stone after the future Czar of Russia, Alexander II.

How much does alexandrite cost?

Alexandrite prices vary dramatically based on quality:

• Up to one carat: Top-quality natural gems can sell for up to $15,000 per carat
• Over one carat: Prices range from $50,000 to $70,000 per carat

Is there such a thing as synthetic alexandrite?

Yes. Lab-created alexandrite has existed since the 1960s. These synthetic stones have identical chemical and physical properties to natural alexandrites. While much less expensive than natural stones, they remain among the most costly synthetic gemstones available.

What determines the value of an alexandrite?

Two primary factors determine alexandrite's value:

• The closeness of colors to pure green and pure red
• The distinctness and completeness of the color change