Your guide to Alexandrite
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Alexandrite
Alexandrite is a rare form of the mineral Chrysoberyl. It can show a colour change from green to red under certain lights. Because of their rarity and ability to change colour these gems are some of the most expensive in the world.
It was originally found in Russia and takes its name from Tsar Alexander II of Russia, whose birthday it was on the day the gem was found, and it was then named in his honour. The gem has since been found at other locations around the world.
Not all of the stones are that large, in fact anything over 5 carats is considered rare and some of the biggest cut specimens barely top 30 carats. Some of the best colour specimens are found in smaller stones of around 1 carat.
