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 / material | Chrysoberyl |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | BeAl2O4 |
| Crystal system | Orthorhombic |
| Colour | Green in daylight to red in warm incandescent light |
| Refractive index | 1.741 – 1.76 |
| Birefringence | 0.008 – 0.01 |
| Specific gravity | 3.7 – 3.78 |
| Mohs hardness | 8.5 |
| Luster | Vitreous |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
| Toughness | Very good |