Khmer Gems | Gem

Alexandrite

The Color-Change Miracle

Alexandrite is celebrated for its dramatic color change—from green in daylight to red in incandescent light. First found in Russia’s Ural Mountains in the 1830s, it is now sourced in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Africa, and beyond. Fine alexandrite is rarer than diamonds.

“Emerald by day, ruby by night.”

All the information you need about Alexandrite is below.
Ready to turn your vision into a one-of-a-kind piece?
We craft heirlooms—rings, necklaces, and more—just for you.

Start Your Custom Alexandrite

Alexandrite: History & Origin

“A stone that changes with the light, symbolizing adaptability and transformation.”

Alexandrite was discovered in Russia in 1834 and named after Tsar Alexander II. Its rare color change is caused by trace amounts of chromium. Ural Mountain stones set the standard, but Brazil, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Madagascar now produce most commercial alexandrite. Russian stones are still the most valuable.

Discovery: Russia (Urals), 1834.

Sources: Russia, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Madagascar, India.

Color Change: Green (daylight) to red (incandescent).

Hardness: Mohs 8.5—excellent for jewelry.

Rarity: Fine stones are rarer than diamond.

Alexandrite: Heritage, Qualities & Market Value

Alexandrite’s value is defined by the strength of its color change, clarity, and origin. Russian material has the strongest change and most prestige. Cat’s-eye alexandrite, showing a chatoyant effect, is especially rare. Even small gems are valuable, and untreated stones fetch top prices.

Main Sources: Russia, Brazil, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Madagascar.
Color Change: The greater the change, the higher the value.
Cut: Ovals, cushions, and cat’s-eye cabochons.
Market: Rarest material can exceed diamond in value per carat.

Alexandrite: Culture & Myth

Symbol of Balance

Regarded as a stone of duality and harmony, alexandrite is said to bring good fortune and emotional balance.

Imperial Heritage

Linked to Russian nobility and the Imperial family. Still prized in royal and elite collections worldwide.

June Birthstone

Alexandrite is a modern birthstone for June, celebrated for its mystique and rarity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Trace chromium in the crystal structure absorbs light differently under daylight and incandescent light.

New Russian finds are extremely rare; most material now is from Brazil and Africa.