Alexandrite
Overview
Alexandrite is a variety of chrysoberyl famous for its color change. In daylight it appears green to bluish green; under warm incandescent light it turns red to purplish red. The effect comes from chromium, which absorbs light in a way that lets the stone respond strongly to the light source.
Origins
Alexandrite was discovered in Russia’s Ural Mountains in the 1830s and named after the future Tsar Alexander II. The original Russian deposits are largely exhausted; Sri Lanka and Brazil are now the main sources. Fine stones with a strong color change are very rare.
The full alexandrite guide is being written by the Tavira Gems Editorial Team.
Last updated November 2, 2026 by the Tavira Gems Editorial Team.