Alexandrite Information

gemstone properties, folklore and more

Alexandrite was discovered in Russia IN 1830 and was named after the Czar Alexander II.

Alexandrite is a type of mineral chrysoberyl (a close cousin to the Cat's Eye) that actually changes color from green / teal in day light to red / pink in indoor (incandescent light bulb) light. View pictures alexandrite gemstone to see this amazing stone change color in different types of light.

Some alexandrite gems were found in Brazil, and Sri Lanka. Natural alexandrite is very rare and expensive -- a tiny alexandrite gemstone would cost much more than diamonds. Some times the color change would be pale or clarity poor in the natural gem due its extreme rarity.

For a affordable alternative we use simulated alexandrite - lab created color change sapphire is easier to obtain and is affordable in large sizes in flawless quality. Simulated alexandrite will give you the same magical color changing effects as the natural rare and expensive alexandrite gem at a fraction of the cost. Natural alexandrite can be more then the cost of a diamond!

Click here to view this gem in our jewelry galleries

Mohs Hardness = 8.5

index of refraction = 1.745 - 1.757

It is believed that when Alexandrite gemstone is worn close to the the heart, it would bring love energy and harmony.

It is said that Alexandrite has healing effects on the nervous system and glandular organs systems.

All original material copyright © Earth's Treasure 1998 - 2007. Reproduction of material is forbidden.