Back to gem encyclopedia

Alexandrite

Green in sunlight. Red in lamplight. Color-changing alexandrite is nature’s magic trick.

Responsive image
Chrysoberyl Variety

Alexandrite is the color-change variety of the mineral chrysoberyl.

Responsive image
Green by Day

Alexandrite is bluish green in daylight or fluorescent light.

Responsive image
Red by Night

Alexandrite is purplish red in incandescent light or candlelight.

Responsive image
Responsive image
Star-shaped Twin

This alexandrite specimen is made up of three interpenetrant crystals.

Responsive image
Brazilian Gem

Brazil is one of the most important alexandrite sources.

Responsive image
Re-entrant Angle

Notches marking the edge of each crystal are called re-entrant angles.

Responsive image
Tools

Photos & Videos

Media Type

Photos (20) Video (1) Gallery (2)

Topics

Color (1) Synthetics (1)
XClear Selections
Alexandrite Butterfly Pin
This blue sapphire displays a six-star asterism.
Jasper
Alexandrite vid thumb

Alexandrite's Color Change
Alexandrite
Tiny Crystal Inclusion in Alexandrite
Cat’s-eye Alexandrite
Color Change in Alexandrite
Rough Alexandrite Crystal
70.94-carat Alexandrite Rough
Load More
All photos remain under the ©Gemological Institute of America copyright and may only be used with permission. More Copyright Information
This Month's

Featured Gems

reading
Peridot

Found in lava, meteorites, and deep in the earth’s mantle, yellow-green peridot is the extreme gem.
reading
Fancy Color Diamond

Dazzling brilliance. Captivating color. These are the planet’s most valued gems.
reading
Diamond

Diamonds are among nature’s most precious and beautiful creations.
reading
Emerald

Emerald is the bluish green to green variety of beryl, a mineral species that includes aquamarine.
reading
Citrine

Citrine is the transparent, pale yellow to brownish orange variety of quartz.

View the Gem Encyclopedia