Natural Alexandrite Gemstones
Alexandrite is the color-change variety of chrysoberyl, a beryllium aluminum oxide (BeAl2O4). Traces of chromium make it look green to bluish green in daylight and red to purplish under warm incandescent light. With a Mohs hardness of 8.5 and excellent toughness, it is one of the most durable gemstones for everyday wear.
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Gemstone guide
Natural Alexandrite Gemstones
About alexandrite
Alexandrite was first found in Russia's Ural Mountains in the 1830s and named after the future Tsar Alexander II; its red and green echoed the colors of the Russian imperial army. The Ural deposits were largely worked out, and today alexandrite also comes from Sri Lanka, Brazil, India, Tanzania and Madagascar. It is one of the birthstones for June. Fine alexandrite is rare, so most stones on the market are small, and the strength of the color change differs from stone to stone.
What you'll find in this collection
Our alexandrite comes from Russia and is untreated. You'll find small faceted marquises and rounds, from about 0.05 to 0.16 carats, suited to accent stones and small jewelry, each photographed to show its color.
How to recognise alexandrite
The color change is the key test: compare the stone in daylight and under a warm bulb or candlelight. Alexandrite is also strongly pleochroic, showing green, orange and red in different directions, which separates it from color-change garnet. Synthetic alexandrite is common, so natural stones are valued for their small, natural inclusions and a color change that is often less dramatic than in lab-grown material.
Caring for alexandrite
Alexandrite is hard, tough and has no easy cleavage, so it suits everyday rings. Clean it with warm soapy water and a soft brush.
Every stone is natural, and each listing gives its weight, size, origin and treatment, with photos of the actual stone.