Alexandrite Crystal — Color-Change

$3,375.82
Chemical FormulaBeAl₂O₄
Crystal SystemOrthorhombic
Mohs Hardness8.5
Specific Gravity3.73
LusterVitreous
TransparencyTransparent

The original alexandrite — discovered in the Ural Mountains on Tsar Alexander II’s birthday in 1834 — changes from emerald green in daylight to raspberry red in incandescent light.…

Only 1 available — a rare find.

SKU: TC-MIN-0140
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Description

The universe has 13.8 billion years of history. Some of it fits in your hand. The original alexandrite — discovered in the Ural Mountains on Tsar Alexander II’s birthday in 1834 — changes from emerald green in daylight to raspberry red in incandescent light. This is chromium absorbing specific wavelengths differently under different light sources. Uralian material is rarer than diamonds; a fine crystal is one of mineralogy’s supreme achievements.

This specimen originates from Malysheva, Ural Mountains, Russia, one of the world’s most significant localities for this type of material. Collectors and scientists have drawn from this region for generations, and for good reason: the combination of geological conditions here produces specimens of exceptional quality and clarity.

Every specimen is unique. Photographs approximate the visual experience, but the real thing — its weight, its luster under a raking light, the way it catches the corner of your eye — can only be experienced directly.

Formation

This specimen formed through geological processes operating over timescales that dwarf human history. The specific combination of chemistry, temperature, pressure, and time at this locality produced material of exceptional quality that makes it a valued addition to any serious collection.

Locality

Alexandrite Crystal — Color-Change from Malysheva, Ural Mountains, Russia. This locality is known for producing specimens of exceptional quality.

Collector Notes

The luster is maximized by low-angle raking light — try a single spotlight.