Alexandrite is an exceptionally rare gemstone that’s loved for its colour changing qualities. This gemstone changes from teal, purple and blue shades in natural light to deep reds and even greens when placed under artificial light. There’s no gemstone quite like alexandrite, making it an extremely coveted gem.

Due to its ability to change colour, alexandrite is known for its symbolism of adaptability, new beginnings and transformations. This means it's also a great choice for engagement and wedding jewellery, as it symbolises your transition into a lifelong commitment with your loved one/spouse.

Alexandrite is one tough cookie! It comes in at 8.5 on the Mohs scale, meaning it's up there with emeralds and topaz in terms of hardness. Due to its durability, it makes a great gemstone choice for everyday wear as it doesn’t scratch or scuff as easily as softer gemstones. 

The Mohs scale of mineral hardness is a scale used to measure the scratch resistance of various minerals. It assigns a relative hardness value to minerals based on their ability to scratch or be scratched by other minerals. With 10 being the hardest (diamond).

Naturally occurring alexandrites are extremely rare and hard to come by, making them extremely expensive and scarce. Due to this, the majority of alexandrite used in jewellery is grown in a laboratory. These lab grown alternatives have the same chemical composition as natural alexandrites, meaning they are physically identical as well as looking the same as natural stones. The only difference is how they are made. While natural alexandrites form within the earth, the lab grown gems are created in a laboratory which mimics the natural conditions where earth grown alexandrites are formed.

Alexandrites can be fairly pricey due to their unique colour changing properties and rarity. This is especially true for natural alexandrite, which is extremely rare. Larger alexandrites and stones of high quality will command higher prices, as well as those with a vivid colour. As with any gemstone, its clarity, colour, cut and carat weight will influence its value, take a look at our guide on the 4 Cs to learn more about what these mean and how they affect the price of a gemstone.

Mined alexandrite is often considered to be the rarest gemstone in the world and is even rarer than gemstones such as diamonds, sapphires and rubies! This means that most alexandrite used in jewellery is man made in a laboratory which mimics the natural conditions where alexandrites are formed. These lab grown gems have the same physical properties and visual appearance as their mined counterparts; however, they are far cheaper!

Alexandrite and sapphires are two different gemstones, distinct from one another. Alexandrite is prized for its colour changing properties, with its deep blue, purple, green and red shades all combined into one stone! Sapphires are available in every colour of the rainbow but are more commonly known for their rich royal blue shades, sapphires are usually more affordable than alexandrites due to the fact that they aren’t as rare. Choosing between the two gemstones hinges on whether you’re a fan of the iridescent sparkle of alexandrites or if you would rather the solid colour of sapphires. 

Due to its extreme rarity, most alexandrite is lab grown! While this might seem like there are vast differences between the two types of alexandrite, there are really very little differences. 

Natural alexandrite is formed within the earth under very specific geological conditions which give it its colour changing properties, as well as its hardness. However, these conditions don’t occur often which makes the formation of alexandrite a bit of a phenomenon.

Due to the scarcity of natural alexandrites, the majority are created in a laboratory. In these labs, the conditions needed to form alexandrite naturally are recreated and sped up so the stones are formed at a much faster rate than in the earth. These gemstones are not only more affordable but they are also physically and visually identical to natural alexandrites! 

Lab grown gemstones also offer peace of mind as they are guaranteed to come from conflict-free zones and take up less natural resources, meaning that they are generally better for the environment.

Alexandrites are renowned for their unique colour as they transition from greenish blues in natural lighting to purplish reds under artificial light. This is a bit of a phenomenon and is known as the alexandrite effect! There are different shades of alexandrite, with some being much more vivid than others, so you can choose whether you want a bright stone or a more mellow gem.

Cat’s eye alexandrite is a variety of alexandrite which holds a striking chatoyance (an optical effect which causes a band of light to pass through the gemstone) which creates a cat’s eye appearance! Along with this, these gemstones still hold their colour changing abilities, meaning they are even more unique than a regular alexandrite.

To care for alexandrite jewellery, avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, and prolonged sunlight, as these can damage its colour-changing properties. Clean alexandrite gently using mild soap and warm water, and dry it with a soft cloth. Store alexandrite jewellery separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches and keep it looking radiant for years to come. Read more about how to care for your jewellery in our expert guide.

If you think your jewellery needs a refresh by a professional, book in for our repair and refresh service!

If you're on the hunt for alexandrite jewellery then look no further! At Jessica Flinn, we pride ourselves on working with unique and unusual gemstones, and alexandrite is a firm favourite! 

Get in touch with one of our team members today and find or create your perfect alexandrite ring.