Phenomenal color change and extreme rarity make alexandrite one of the world’s most coveted stones. Appearing green in sunlight and red in artificial light, this gem was first mined in the 1830s and named after Czar Alexander II. Since the stone resembled Imperial Russia’s military colors, it soon became popular. Better yet, this June birthstone has great durability, making it an excellent choice for jewelry.

However, alexandrite’s extreme rarity drives prices very high. Even synthetic alexandrite doesn’t come cheap. Still, this gem’s dramatic color change makes it an exciting addition to any collection.

Alexandrite Buying and the Four Cs

The IGS alexandrite value listing has price guidelines for faceted alexandrite at top, medium, and slight color changes, as well as for cabbed plain and cat’s eye alexandrite with strong color change.

Color Change in Alexandrite

By day, alexandrite should be emerald green to peacock blue. By night, a ruby red or amethyst hue. The intensity of this color change is the most important factor in alexandrite price. Still, intense and complete color changes occur rarely in this stone. Most alexandrites appear muddied in one type of lighting. Thus, the most prized stones undergo a complete shift from lovely green to…