The facts
What alexandrite actually is
Mineralogically, alexandrite is chrysoberyl — BeAl₂O₄, crystallising in the orthorhombic system.
The colour is caused by chromium — green in daylight, red under incandescent light. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.745–1.759, and the specific gravity sits near 3.70–3.78; cleavage is distinct, one direction.
Where alexandrite comes from
The recognised sources are Ural Mountains, Russia (historic), Hematita, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Tunduru, Tanzania and India.
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
Is alexandrite treated?
None normally. Synthetic alexandrite and colour-change synthetic corundum are both widespread.
That makes disclosure simple: there is nothing to declare. It also means a seller offering a "treated" version of this material is offering something else.
What alexandrite is confused with
The usual confusions are Synthetic alexandrite, Colour-change sapphire and Colour-change garnet.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.745–1.759 and specific gravity 3.70–3.78 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What alexandrite is used for
Alexandrite is bought by jewellery and mineral collecting — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the carat or by the specimen.
Durability and care
Hardness 8.5; cleavage distinct, one direction. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
With no cleavage plane to worry about, the practical limit is abrasion rather than breakage, and it takes daily wear well.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What alexandrite costs
Indicative pricing for alexandrite is $2,000–70,000/ct.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is alexandrite treated?
None normally. Synthetic alexandrite and colour-change synthetic corundum are both widespread.
Where does alexandrite come from?
Ural Mountains, Russia (historic), Hematita, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Tunduru, Tanzania and India. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is alexandrite hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 8.5 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage plane, it handles daily wear well. The practical limit is gradual abrasion rather than chipping.
How much does alexandrite cost?
Indicatively $2,000–70,000/ct. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is alexandrite confused with?
Most often Synthetic alexandrite, Colour-change sapphire and Colour-change garnet. A refractive index of 1.745–1.759 and a specific gravity near 3.70–3.78 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for alexandrite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about alexandrite