Alexandrites: Beautiful Gemstones that Change Color

Can you find a gemstone that changes color? Absolutely. Alexandrites are actual color-changing stones, not to be confused with the more common mood rings.

Alexandrites display a spectrum of colors, usually changing from green to blue in the daytime to pink, purple or red at night. These stones change colors under different lighting conditions, so your stone may surprise you by morphing into a previously unseen color if you find yourself in a different location.

I have one stone that turns a striking emerald green under fluorescent lighting, goes a smoky grey in some stores, turns ice blue under other lights, and turns purple or red under regular lighting at night. This particular alexandrite is 1 carat and shows a wide color variation.

Alexandrites change colors because of a unique and rare chemical composition. They are actually chrysoberyl. Chrysoberyl contains iron and titanium. Alexandrite contains chromium and it is this element that contributes to the startling color changes. It is only chrysoberyl displaying distinct color changes that is called alexandrite.

How Were Alexandrites Named?

The stones show green to red, the colors of old Imperialist Russia. Interestingly, Alexandrite was discovered on the day the tzar (Alexander II) came of age, thus, alexandrite became the stone of tsarist Russia.

Where Were Alexandrites Discovered?

• Alexandrite crystals were discovered in emerald mines in the Urals. Russia was the main supplier of alexandrite.
• Alexandrite was also discovered in the 1980's in Brazil. These stones had a good color change but were not as green as the Russian alexandrite.
• Alexandrite also comes from Sri Lanka but the hues aren't considered on par with the Russian alexandrite.
• Alexandrite specimens of outstanding quality have also come from Tanzania.
• Alexandrite is found in other countries.

Alexandrite jewelry was produced and became highly sought after. Alexandrite was:

• Set into Russian jewelry
• Used in Victorian jewelry from England
• Tiffany's produced rings made with alexandrite gemstones

Master gemologist George Frederick Kunz was fascinated with alexandrite and its incredible color-changing properties.

In most cases, the change is instantaneous; although, at times, you can see hints of colors appearing in your stone.

Different alexandrites change to different colors, so if you are looking for a stone to turn from green to red, you will want to ensure that this is what you are getting.

• Alexandrites go from pink to blue

• Alexandrites change from purple to greenish

Some stones show wide color changes, while others show fewer color changes.

• One way to acquire a beautiful alexandrite ring at a fraction of the cost is to order your polished stone first. Your Alexandrite can later be put into a setting. (This is what I did. I ordered a loose round stone, then had it put into a ring.)

• It is possible to order a smaller stone in a ring, which is another option--especially if you can't wait to wear it and enjoy all the color changes.

If you decide to get your alexandrite through an online auction, it is possible to acquire a beautiful ring at a fraction of the cost.

Buying Cautions

• Make sure your alexandrite stone actually changes color. Some stones advertised as alexandrites make use of the name to describe the color, not the color changing gemstone. Read the description and ask for photos showing the color change.
• Make sure your stone has been grown from a seed crystal and is considered an alexandrite.
• A lab grown authentic gem will be free of inclusions and impurities, grown under optimal conditions, and considered a real gemstone, having the same chemical composition as a stone that was formed in nature.
• Watch the auctions and become thoroughly acquainted with the different colored stones that are available.
• I've seen dark purple stones that looked questionable and only had a slight color change.
• If possible, buy in your own country to save on duty charges, which can amount to almost half of the cost.
• Check the reputation of the seller.
• Get an feel for price ranges and what a deal on an alexandrite is.

An auction can be a legitimate way to find an alexandrite. I found two beautiful stones but I didn't buy impulsively. I watched the auctions, learned about alexandrites, and bid carefully, setting a ceiling amount, in my quest for a beautiful Alexandrite gemstone and an Alexandrite ring.

An alexandrite ring is ever fascinating as you never tire of the color changes. If you are really fortunate, you will find a stone with impressive color changes.

Alexandrites differ, stone to stone. If you decide to bring an alexandrite home, you'll have a unique stone that rewards you with intriquing color changes.