Alexandrite: The Rare Gem That Changes Color and Changes Everything
June’s Rare Treasure: The Enigmatic Allure of Natural Alexandrite
At Nikita Jewelry, we have long been captivated by gemstones that defy expectations, those whose beauty is matched only by their rarity and story. Among these, few rival the mystique of natural Alexandrite, the chameleon-like gem celebrated as one of the birthstones for June. Unlike pearls or moonstone, Alexandrite possesses an almost otherworldly quality: a dramatic color change that makes it one of the most mesmerizing and valuable gems in existence.
This blog is your insider’s guide to Alexandrite—its scientific origins, cultural significance, value in the gemstone market, and what makes it a treasure worthy of your attention, whether you are a collector, investor, or someone seeking a meaningful piece of jewelry.
Scientific Make-Up: A Marvel of Nature
Natural Alexandrite is a rare variety of the mineral chrysoberyl, composed of beryllium aluminum oxide (BeAl₂O₄). What sets Alexandrite apart from other chrysoberyl is the presence of trace amounts of chromium, which causes its dramatic and prized color-change phenomenon.
Under daylight or fluorescent light, Alexandrite appears a rich bluish-green or teal. But when viewed under incandescent lighting, such as candlelight or evening lamplight, the stone shifts to a striking raspberry red or purplish hue. This optical wonder is known as metamerism, and it’s so distinctive that it gave rise to the phrase:
“Emerald by day, ruby by night.”
Only a few gemstones in the world exhibit this type of color change, and natural Alexandrite is the most famous and most valuable among them.
Learn more about the optical properties and mineral composition of Alexandrite or dive deeper into its mineral structure.
Mohs Hardness: 8.5
Crystal System: Orthorhombic
Refractive Index: 1.741–1.760
Birefringence: 0.008–0.010
Specific Gravity: 3.73
Its high hardness makes Alexandrite exceptionally durable, suitable for daily wear and an ideal choice for heirloom-quality pieces.
Cultural: A Stone Steeped in History
Discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in 1830, Alexandrite was named in honor of Tsarevich Alexander II, who would later become the Russian Emperor. The gem’s red and green hues mirrored the imperial colors of old Russia, making it a symbol of national pride and noble elegance.
Over time, Alexandrite gained a reputation for being a stone of duality and transformation, associated with creativity, intuition, and emotional balance. In Eastern mysticism, it was believed to bring luck, love, and good fortune. In Western cultures, it is often worn as a talisman for focus and spiritual growth.
Explore the historic gemstones like Alexandrite at the Smithsonian to understand its place among the world’s rarest.
The color-changing quality also symbolizes the ability to adapt and thrive through life’s transitions, making it a deeply meaningful stone for those embarking on new journeys, be it a marriage, a career, or a personal transformation.
Alexandrite is also the traditional gem for the 55th wedding anniversary, celebrating a love that has weathered seasons and evolved over time, just like the stone itself.
Gemstone Value and Rarity
If you are considering Alexandrite, it is important to understand just how rare and valuable this gem truly is. Natural Alexandrite is rarer than diamonds, emeralds, or rubies. The finest specimens those with dramatic color change, excellent clarity, and strong saturation can fetch prices well into five or six figures per carat.
Key Factors that Affect Value:
Color Change Quality: The more vivid and complete the shift from green to red, the higher the value. A 100% shift is the holy grail.
Origin: Russian Alexandrite from the Ural Mountains are the most coveted, though stones from Sri Lanka, Brazil, and East Africa can also be exquisite.
Clarity: Alexandrite is typically cleaner than emeralds, but eye-clean stones are still rare and more desirable.
Carat Weight: Stones over 1 carat are already rare; over 3 carats, exponentially more so. Fine quality Alexandrite above 5 carats are museum-grade.
Cut: As with all gemstones, a well-cut Alexandrite enhances both color change and brilliance.
At Nikita Jewelry, we source only natural Alexandrite often from legacy dealers who specialize in high-grade gems. We do not carry synthetic or lab-grown Alexandrite, as we believe the magic of this stone lies in its authenticity and origin.
Learn more about gemstone grading and certification for Alexandrite.
Alexandrite vs Synthetic Alternatives
Due to its rarity, Alexandrite has often been imitated. Many stones sold under the name “Alexandrite” are in fact synthetic corundum or lab-grown chrysoberyl, created with vanadium instead of chromium.
While these synthetics mimic the color change effect, they lack the geological history, investment value, and spiritual gravitas of natural Alexandrite.
When purchasing, always ask for certification from a reputable gemological lab such as GIA, AGL, or GRS to confirm the gem’s origin and authenticity. For more information on this distinction, review this guide to synthetic gemstones.
Significance as a June Birthstone
June is unique in that it boasts three birthstones: pearl, moonstone, and Alexandrite. While pearls evoke softness and moonstone carries mysticism, Alexandrite stands apart for its boldness, rarity, and transformative symbolism.
For those born in June or gifting someone special, Alexandrite offers a deeper narrative:
It tells a story of contrast and complexity
It celebrates the power of duality, day and night, logic and emotion, stability and change
It reflects a refined taste and a quiet confidence
It is not a gem you come across often, and perhaps that’s exactly what makes it so personal and powerful.
How to Wear and Care for Alexandrite
Thanks to its 8.5 hardness on the Mohs scale, Alexandrite is suitable for most types of jewelry, including rings, pendants, and earrings. However, due to its value and rarity, it's often best showcased in protected settings or pieces designed for special occasions.
Care Tips:
Avoid Ultrasonic Cleaners: While generally safe, they can cause internal fractures in stones with inclusions.
Use Mild Soapy Water: Clean gently with a soft toothbrush or cloth.
Store Separately: To avoid scratches, store Alexandrite away from harder gems like sapphire or diamond.
For safe maintenance, follow the GIA Jewelry Care Guide.
Each Nikita Jewelry piece featuring Alexandrite is accompanied by care guidance and, where applicable, lab certification and origin documentation.
Investment Perspective
Natural Alexandrite is not just a stunning gem it is also a formidable store of value. As mines in Russia have long been exhausted and other sources are limited, the price of high-quality Alexandrite continues to appreciate year over year.
Collectors, especially in Asia and Europe, actively seek investment-grade Alexandrite for their rarity, durability, and historical significance. They often serve as a quiet alternative to more mainstream investments, with the added benefit of beauty and symbolism.
At Nikita Jewelry, we frequently work with collectors and private investors to source Alexandrite that meet strict standards for provenance, cut, and color-change effect.
Conclusion: A Gift Beyond Time
In a world of mass production and fleeting trends, natural Alexandrite stands as a timeless emblem of rarity, transformation, and elegance. As your trusted gemologist at Nikita Jewelry, I can say with confidence: if you are fortunate enough to encounter a fine natural Alexandrite, don’t pass it by.
Whether as a symbol of your own evolution, a meaningful gift, or a discerning addition to a fine jewelry collection, Alexandrite is one of nature’s most spellbinding creations and a true privilege to wear.
For inquiries about our Alexandrite pieces or to schedule a private appointment, we welcome you to contact us directly. We take pride in offering only the finest, ethically sourced gemstones and guiding our clients with expertise, integrity, and passion.
Nikita Jewelry
LUXURY JEWELRY HANDCRAFTED IN NYC, AVAILABLE TO CUSTOMERS WORLDWIDE.
