Gem of the Week: Alexandrite

Adin Fine Antique Jewelry,
Belgium

A rare variety of chrysoberel , Alexandrite exhibits unusual color change properties due to the presence of chromium oxide. In natural light, Alexandrite exhibits a pine-green color. In incandescent light, the stone appears to have a yellow or orange color. And, in candlelight, the color is a fiery reddish pink to purple color.


Discovered in Russia’s Ural Mountains in 1830, Alexandrite was named for Czar Alexander II. A form of Alexandrite is also now mined in Sri Lanka, however this stone displays a different range of colors than the more valuable Russian Alexandrite. Sri Lankan Alexandrite tends to have a color range from blue to brown.

Alexandrite Bar Pin
Russian, circa 1890
A La Vieille Russie, Fifth Avenue, New York

Natural Alexandrite is extremely rare. If you happen to find an Alexandrite piece, make sure to ask if it’s natural or synthetic. Most often, the stone will be synthetic or a color-treated spinel. A true Alexandrite will display subtle colors as opposed to the brighter, more neon colors of synthetic.

Popular in Russian jewelry design of the Romanov Era, Alexandrite was also a favorite of French and English designers. Though difficult to find, this stone is one of the most unique and attractive gems created by our planet.