Alexandrite

Rare. Magical. Wonderous.

Alexandrite is an extraordinary, color-changing variety of the mineral chrysoberyl. Abundant alexandrite deposits were first discovered in 1830 in Russia’s Ural Mountains and named after the young Alexander II. It caught the country’s attention because its red and green colors mirrored the national military colors of imperial Russia. The rarest and most valuable Alexandrite shows up vivid green to bluish green in daylight or fluorescent light, and an intense red to purplish red in incandescent light. Alexandrite’s dramatic color and limited availability makes it one of the most priced gems in the world. Fine quality stones above 1 carat are often more expensive than comparably sized Ruby or Sapphire. 

Jewelry care:

Alexandrite is rated “excellent” for everyday wear. To clean, gently scrub with a soft toothbrush and a solution of mild dish soap and warm water.