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Alexandrite is a rare, color-changing variety of the mineral chrysoberyl, known for its dramatic shift from bluish-green in daylight to purplish-red in incandescent light. This "alexandrite effect" is caused by chromium impurities in its beryllium-aluminum-oxygen crystal structure, which absorb and transmit light wavelengths differently depending on the light source. The gem is also strongly pleochroic, showing different colors from various viewing directions, and is a durable gemstone, making it a sought-after gem in jewelry.

Key Characteristics

Mineral Family: Alexandrite is a variety of Chrysoberyl.

Color Change: Its most famous property is the "alexandrite effect," the ability to change color dramatically with lighting conditions:

Daylight/Fluorescent Light: Bluish-green.

Incandescent/Candlelight: Purplish-red.

Cause of Color Change: The mineral's crystal structure contains chromium, which absorbs some light wavelengths and transmits others, creating the color shift.

Pleochroism: Alexandrite is strongly pleochroic, meaning it can display different colors (green, orange, purple-red) when viewed from different directions.

Historical & Geographical Significance

Discovery: It was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s and was named in honor of Czar Alexander II.

Other Locations: While Russia was the original source, fine alexandrite is now found in countries like Brazil, Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.

Value & Rarity

Rarity: Alexandrites are considered rare, especially those with a strong color change and exceptional clarity.

Size: Large alexandrites (over 2 carats) are considered large, and those over 5 carats are extremely rare.

Quality: The quality of alexandrite is judged by the strength of its color change – a pronounced shift from a vibrant bluish-green to a strong red commands a premium price.