Moonstone: One of June’s Most Distinctive Birthstones
Alongside the organic texture of June’s pearl birthstone and the quiet glow of moonstone jewelry, Alexandrite stands apart for its rarity and for a visual behavior that depends entirely on light.
What sets alexandrite apart is not just rarity, but behavior. The stone does not present a single, fixed appearance. Instead, its color shifts depending on where and how it is viewed, which is why understanding alexandrite starts with understanding how it interacts with light rather than how it is cut or sized.
Before discussing value, origin, or care, it helps to look at what alexandrite actually is and why its color change occurs.
What Is Alexandrite?
Alexandrite is a color-changing variety of chrysoberyl, a mineral known for durability rather than surface brilliance. Unlike gemstones that rely on sparkle, alexandrite absorbs and releases light differently depending on its source.
In daylight or fluorescent lighting, a fine alexandrite appears green, often with blue or teal tones. Under incandescent or candlelight, that same stone shifts toward red or purplish red.
This internal optical behavior is known as the Alexandrite effect and is formally documented by the Gemological Institute of America’s Alexandrite overview.
The effect is structural rather than decorative. Trace elements within the crystal lattice interact with different wavelengths of light, which is why no two stones perform identically.
Color Change and Why It Matters in Practice
Not all alexandrite displays the same quality of color change. In valuation and real-world wear, this matters more than size alone.
Jewelers evaluate three practical factors:
- Clarity of the transition: Stones that move cleanly from green to red are preferred over those that drift into brown or gray tones.
- Strength of each color: Bluish green in daylight and deep red or purplish red under warm light are considered the most desirable combinations.
- Performance across environments: A stone that shifts clearly in both indoor and outdoor settings is more valuable than one that only performs under controlled lighting.
Fine-quality alexandrite under one carat often sells for several thousand dollars per carat. Stones over one carat with strong color change can reach significantly higher prices due to scarcity.
Origins and Historical Context
Alexandrite was first discovered in Russia’s Ural Mountains in the early 1800s during the reign of Czar Alexander II. The gemstone was named in his honor, and the original Russian stones established the benchmark for quality.
Those early deposits are now considered depleted. As a result, alexandrite of Russian origin is most commonly found in antique jewelry rather than new production. Today’s primary sources include Sri Lanka, Brazil, and parts of East Africa.
Collectors often value origin because it correlates with performance. Many of the strongest green to red stones historically came from the Ural region, which is why provenance still influences pricing.
Meaning and Cultural Associations
Alexandrite has long been associated with change and balance, largely because its appearance responds to its surroundings.
Cultural traditions often connect the stone with:
- Adaptability and emotional steadiness
- Mental focus and clarity
- Personal transition and growth
Astrologically, alexandrite is linked with Scorpio, though many clients choose the stone based on its rarity rather than symbolism.
Rare Varieties: Cat’s Eye Alexandrite
Among the rarest forms of alexandrite is cat’s eye material. These stones display a narrow band of reflected light caused by parallel needle-like inclusions within the crystal.
When properly cut, the effect appears as a moving line that shifts across the surface. Stones that show both a strong color change and a clean cat’s eye are uncommon and typically reserved for collector or custom pieces.
Natural, Synthetic, and Imitation Alexandrite
Because natural alexandrite is scarce and expensive, alternatives are common.
Imitation stones are often color-changing corundum or glass. They may shift color, but the transition is usually less refined. Marketing language that places the name in quotation marks often signals imitation material.
Synthetic alexandrite is lab-grown and shares the same chemical and physical properties as natural stone. It is more expensive to produce than most lab-grown gems, yet still far more accessible than natural alexandrite. Many synthetic stones show a blue to purple shift rather than green to red.
Understanding these differences is critical, especially for anniversary or heirloom purchases.
How Alexandrite Is Valued
Alexandrite is valued differently from most gemstones. While size and clarity still matter, performance under light carries more weight here than carat count alone.
In practice, valuation centers on four factors:
Color Change Quality
The most important factor is how clearly the stone shifts from green in daylight to red or purplish red under warm light.
Stones with a decisive, balanced transition are more valuable than those that drift into brown or gray tones. The Gemological Institute of America outlines this phenomenon in its overview of the Alexandrite effect and uses it as a primary grading consideration.
Color Strength and Tone
Not all greens and reds are equal. Bluish green in daylight and deep red or purple red in incandescent light are preferred.
Pale or muddy colors reduce value even if the stone technically changes color.
Clarity
Alexandrite is often eye-clean (no inclusions or flaws are visible to the naked eye), especially compared to other colored stones. Visible inclusions can lower the value, particularly if they interfere with the color change or transparency.
GIA includes clarity as a supporting factor in its Alexandrite quality criteria.
Carat Size and Rarity
Alexandrite becomes exponentially rarer as size increases. Stones over one carat with strong color change are uncommon, and pricing reflects that scarcity. Two stones of the same size can differ dramatically in value based on color performance alone.
Because these factors interact, alexandrite is best evaluated in person and under multiple lighting conditions. This is why many buyers compare stones side by side before selecting one for a custom piece or anniversary ring.
Alexandrite in Jewelry
With a Mohs hardness of 8.5, alexandrite is suitable for rings, earrings, and pendants when set thoughtfully. Protective settings are especially important for larger stones.
Because the stone’s appearance depends on lighting, alexandrite is best evaluated while worn. Many clients notice subtle shifts throughout the day as they move between environments, something that does not register under static showroom lights.
Custom designs allow the stone’s cut, orientation, and setting to work together. Clients often compare alexandrite alongside custom jewelry options or evaluate it against other June birthstones before deciding.
Caring for Alexandrite Jewelry
Alexandrite is relatively durable, ranking 8.5 on the Mohs scale, but thoughtful care is still important to preserve both appearance and structure over time.
Cleaning
Clean alexandrite with warm water, mild soap, and a soft brush or cloth. This removes everyday residue without stressing the stone or setting.
Ultrasonic cleaners are generally safe for alexandrite itself, but they can loosen settings over time, so professional guidance is recommended.
Copeland’s jewelry cleaning and care guide outlines safe at-home practices in more detail.
Daily Wear Considerations
Alexandrite works well for rings and everyday jewelry when set securely. Protective settings are especially important for larger stones. Removing jewelry during heavy physical activity helps prevent accidental impact.
What To Avoid
Avoid exposing alexandrite jewelry to harsh chemicals, including household cleaners and chlorine. These can damage metal settings and dull the stone’s appearance over time.
Storage
Store alexandrite separately from harder gemstones like diamonds to prevent scratching. A fabric-lined jewelry box or individual pouch works well.
Choosing Alexandrite at Copeland Jewelers
Alexandrite is not a gemstone chosen casually. Whether natural or synthetic, it benefits from careful explanation and realistic expectations.
At Copeland Jewelers, we guide clients through color change quality, origin considerations, and how a stone will perform in daily wear. We also help compare alexandrite with other June birthstones and incorporate it into designs built for longevity, comfort, and proportion.
For those drawn to rarity and optical complexity, alexandrite offers an experience that continues to reveal itself over time.