Alexandrite

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Alexandrite – Overview

Intro

Alexandrite is prized for a dramatic colour-change effect that makes one gem appear greenish in daylight and reddish under warmer light.

Overview

This starter entry positions Alexandrite as a rare chrysoberyl variety with strong collector appeal, distinctive optical personality, and useful buying education for bespoke jewellery clients.

About

This starter entry positions Alexandrite as a rare chrysoberyl variety with strong collector appeal, distinctive optical personality, and useful buying education for bespoke jewellery clients. Alexandrite is presented here as a structured gemstone record ready for linked buyer guides, research posts, and media galleries.

History

Originally associated with Russia's Ural Mountains and long celebrated by collectors for its rarity and colour-change phenomenon.

Key Properties

Mineral / materialChrysoberyl
ChemistryBeAl2O4
Crystal systemOrthorhombic
ColourGreen in daylight to red in warm incandescent light
Refractive index1.741 – 1.76
Birefringence0.008 – 0.01
Specific gravity3.7 – 3.78
Mohs hardness8.5
LusterVitreous
TransparencyTransparent to translucent
ToughnessVery good