Alexandrite Gemstone Guide

Steeped in a prestigious royal history since its imperial Russian discovery, Alexandrite is a highly robust collector gem offering an exquisite blending of physical well-being, spiritual balance and peerless investment value. At Tivon, we select only the top 5% of loose gemstones to showcase an astonishing daylight to candlelight phenomenon that shifts dramatically from teal forest green to a warm crimson raspberry red.

Read below to discover the unique geographical origins, essential maintenance procedures and primary value factors of this exquisite mineral in our comprehensive Alexandrite Gemstone Guide. Alternatively, explore our masterfully curated Alexandrite jewellery collection or our elegant Three's a Charm Collection to discover an extraordinary Alexandrite masterpiece designed to stand as a rare, personal family legacy.

Emerald by day and ruby by night!

About Alexandrite

What colour is Alexandrite?

The colour of Alexandrite varies from teal to forest green changing to violet, crimson red, raspberry, purple and orange.

Where is the name Alexandrite derived from?

The name Alexandrite is derived from the name of the young Tsarevitch, who was crowned Tsar Alexander II in Russia in 1855

What is the symbolism of Alexandrite?

Alexandrite is said to bring good luck, spiritual and physical well-being.

What gemstone family does Alexandrite belong to?

Alexandrite belongs to the Chrysoberyl family of gemstones.

Is Alexandrite considered a collector's gemstone?

Absolutely. In fact, Alexandrite is widely regarded as one of the ultimate collector's gemstones in existence. Because it requires a highly improbable combination of the chemical elements chrysoberyl and chromium to form, its geological scarcity is immense. Coveted for its dramatic daylight-to-candlelight colour change, fine-quality specimens are exceptionally difficult to source, making a bespoke piece of Alexandrite jewelry a true crowning asset for any elite gemstone connoisseur.

Explore our other highly coveted collector's treasures and discover the distinctive appeal of varieties like rare, pink-sherry Imperial Topaz, intense trichroic Kunzite, electric-orange Mandarin Garnet, legendary neon Paraiba Tourmaline, the deep raspberry-fire of Rubellite Tourmaline, the crisp brilliance of Spinel and intensely vivid Tsavorite.

What anniversary does Alexandrite represent?

Originally Alexandrite represented the 45th wedding anniversary, but later the 55th wedding aniversary in modern times.

Is Alexandrite a birthstone?

Yes, Alexandrite is the birthstone of June.

What is the hardness of Alexandrite?

Alexandrite is 8.5 on Moh’s Scale and therefore considered very robust.

Where is Alexandrite geographically located?

The finest come from Brazil, Madagascar, India, Tanzania, Russia - Russian Alexandrite maintains an historical pedigree that is highly coveted.

Are there any interesting facts regarding Alexandrite?

In Russia it is believed that if you only wear one piece of Alexandrite jewellery, it may invite loneliness due to the fact that it should possess dual colours. Often described as “Emerald by day” and “Ruby by night”, when viewed under sunlight, Alexandrite appears teal to forest green, but when seen by candlelight, it appears violet or crimson red.

Does Alexandrite have any inclusions?

Inclusions are a common feature in Alexandrite. Far from being flaws, inclusions are a hallmark of authenticity that helps us distinguish real gems from artificial impostors.

What is the cleaning procedure for Alexandrite?

There are no issues cleaning Alexandrite due to its hardness.

What are the value factors of Alexandrite?

The value factors of Alexandrite are its rarity, intensity of colour and change in colour as well as its brilliance and "life" of the stone; Size of the stone is also a value factor.