mineral

Alexandrite in Matrix

Chrysoberyl (BeAl2O4 with Chromium impurities)

Hardness: 8.5 Mohs scale; Color: Pleochroic (typically emerald green in daylight, raspberry red in incandescent light); Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic; Specific Gravity: 3.50-3.84

Hardness: 8
Luster: Vitreous

Identified March 4, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 8.5 Mohs scale; Color: Pleochroic (typically emerald green in daylight, raspberry red in incandescent light); Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Orthorhombic; Specific Gravity: 3.50-3.84

Formation & geological history

Formed in granitic pegmatites and mica schists where beryllium and chromium occur together. Most notable deposits range from the Precambrian to Cenozoic eras.

Uses & applications

Extremely rare and valued gemstone for high-end jewelry; prized as a investment-grade specimen by mineral collectors.

Geological facts

Alexandrite was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s and named after Tsar Alexander II. It is famous for its dramatic 'color change' effect known as the Alexandrite Effect.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its extreme hardness and color-change under different light sources. Commonly found in the Urals (Russia), Sri Lanka, Brazil, and Tanzania. Use a penlight to test for the color shift from green to red.

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