One of the rarest of all gemstones, alexandrite is the color change variety of the mineral chrysoberyl. The stone has an intense green hue and can command extremely high prices, especially when it exhibits its famous color change. In this article we take a close look at a gem which, due to its rarity in jewelry, many people know little about.

The Origin of the Name

Alexandrite was named after the Russian tsar Alexander II, who lived from 1818 to 1881. The first alexandrite crystals were discovered by Finnish mineralogist Gustaf Nordenkiold in 1834 in emerald mines near Tokovaya River in the Russian Urals, on the day of the future tsars 16^th birthday - April 17th. The gem displays both red and green hues, and with these colors being the colors of Imperial Russia, alexandrite instantly became the national stone of its country of origin, and was dedicated to Alexander II.

Rarity and Notable Features

The gem is rare, and top quality specimens are even rarer. This means that alexandrite in modern jewelry is uncommon. The oldest and most valuable specimens are found in antique Russian jewelry, and pieces of this type are highly prized. The gemstone can also be found in Victorian English pieces, as well as late 19^th / early 20^th century Tiffany rings - as the stone was a particular favorite of Tiffany’s master gemologist George Frederick Kunz.

The most attractive feature of alexandrite is its ability to change color from an intense green or blue-green hue in daylight to a softer red or purple-red color in incandescent light. Generally speaking the more distinctive this color change, the more valuable the stone. The reason for the color change is that alexandrite has an uncommon chemical composition, which makes the stone a scarce one to find.

It is also worth noting that any transparent gem that displays a distinct color change between natural and incandescent light can also be described as ‘alexandritic’ - something of a tribute to the gem we are discussing.