The Origins of Alexandrite & The Color Change Effect

Today, we're checking out the geology, history, and even some physics of one of the rarest and most valuable gemstones in the world! Join gemologist Rebecca, and learn how this amazing gem actually changes its color. Plus, learn how it led to a deadly confrontation between gemologists, and where you can find it in the USA!
00:20 - natural alexandrite stone formation
02:02 - how alexandrite color change works
04:36 - russian alexandrite gemstone origins
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Gemstones.com is one of the leading experts on gemstones and is the best source on KZbin for all things gem related. Featuring gem history, the science behind the stones, gemstones in pop culture, and much more, you too can become a gemology expert by immersing yourself in the Gemstones.com channel. Rebecca, our host, is a Graduate Gemologist from the Gemological Institute of America and has an FGA from the Gemmological Association of Great Britain.
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#Gemstones #alexandrite #gemology #jtv #colorchange #raregems

[@sherrizanoli1398]

I have an almost 2 ct oval cut Alexandrite. I had an older Russian patient in the 1980's. He had no family in the US and was dying. We bonded over gemstones and he gifted me this beautiful Alexandrite before he passed away. I am afraid to have it set into a ring, all of the jewelers around here want to send it out. I don't trust them. It is in my safe.

[@Lissa11638]

I agree with your distrust!!!

[@gaffarmagsi3804]

I have 36 ct

[@-.Tristan.-]

That’s such a sweet story, I agree that you should be careful when having it set. There are still many places around that switch out stones sadly..

[@bonnieabrs1003]

A small local jeweler in my area cleaned an emerald & diamond ring I inherited. It had to be left with him. But, he had equipment there to photograph, find any numbers or marks, Incase anything happened. We both signed for it. I received the cleaned ring 2 days later & as it matched the original photo, all was well. It’s very disturbing to have something so special left in the hands of others. I hope this helps you decide. Alex was my birthstone until it was unavailable.

[@shellyvester1737]

Look at it under a black light!

[@sardarinzamam9890]

We have some deposits of alexandrite here in Kashmir too.

[@snufkinhollow318]

I've only just found this channel and I can't get enough of it. I love the way that you present the raw science alongside the history of the gem and then add interesting twists (the Elden Ring video, for example). This is helped by the presenters who are extremely knowledgeable and can't hide their passion for the gems but also sometimes add a bit of quirky tangent into the commentary. I haven't explored all your content yet but if there isn't one already, I'd love a video on chrysoprase and its 'relatives' - just because it's my favourite really.

[@GarrettBroadnax]

It's worth noting that you can buy lab-grown alexandrite for not too much money. The natural stuff is generally small both because it's stupid expensive and it just rarely gets to be very large.

[@taniagotlib9365]

Tenho alexandrita para vender

[@taniagotlib9365]

Pedras brutas

[@IXIII-IXIII]

People will pay way more for a natural stone, including me. The fact its a piece of magic from earth is what I love most about gemstones... I also am a collector of rough pieces so the gem quality and faceted stones aren't what I deal in. I can get a beautiful natural piece that's translucent with great colour change, around 4 grams for £120... and the pieces i have I love. I just can't feel the same about lab grown "unnaturally" formed gemstones. That's just me though. If those things don't matter than definitely go for the lab grown due to price.

[@GarrettBroadnax]

@@IXIII-IXIII of course. I also rockhound so the fun is in the hunt for rarity. That said, my wife's engagement ring is alexandrite and for that application lab grown is a no-brainer

[@kconnor4568]

I don’t have to look in my back yard. My daughter bought me a ring and a cross with about a half carat each. You are definitely right , with this stone , the color change is beautiful. From a blood red at night and an emerald green during the day. I always enjoy looking at the stones during the day and night, the color change is fantastic.

[@ChrisR_4812]

I love Alexandrite and have since I was a kid. Now there are other color change stones which I love too, but nothing compares to Alexandrite. Would love to see more about color change sapphires and color change garnets.

[@themostgems]

More love for gems 💎 ♥️

[@getitherething.2653]

I’m not one for jewellery, but since I found out about alexandrite I’ve wanted one. So cool.

[@isabellavalencia8026]

One color by day and a different color by night...amazing!

[@chrisanderson263]

TY for a great video about Alexandrite! One of my favorite stones. 😍 Love your channel, I'm definitely a fan! 💜

[@oliveheadwhoa]

I've been hoping for this video! 😁

[@nickalouscromer9082]

Agate would be a fine next subject. So many variations of Agate, and so many ways it can form. I like Lake Superior Agate and Blue Lace Agate.

[@autumndavidson8686]

Agates are one of my top favorites. I have one that is slightly purple with white crystals in the middle.

[@theruggedrockhound]

Just found your channel and I love how you educate about gemstones! You guys obviously put a lot of work into these videos, and I would like to thank you for the knowledge you guys bring to KZbin. Keep up the good work!

[@bruceanderson7762]

I love your enthusiasm, thank you!

[@AvalonDreamz]

Alexandrite used to be my favorite when I was younger, but then I discovered black Opals and even bolder opals with their many many differences.

[@rogerhargreaves2272]

Alexandrite, the quintessential colour change stone. If you ever get the chance to see some of the original Russian gemstones then you are very lucky indeed.

[@stingray141]

This lady is happy and she is fun to listen to

[@donkeyrokman]

Interesting, concise and well managed video. Nicely done! Also, I really appreciate the visuals matching the narration. So often that is NOT the case with similar videos. I added my subscription without reservation. Two thumbs up!

[@gems]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@SariaFan93]

I have a 183-carat Russian alexandrite, a much smaller Tanzanian crystal with natural etchings, and a set of faceted Brazilian stones.

[@gems]

wow! nice!

[@tkhdakota]

It’s my birthstone! I love it! WOW!!’

[@GarrettBroadnax]

No you don't

[@Lissa11638]

I love to see a pic of that alexandrite!

[@yesannurnolimit8718]

Thanks for your educational background

[@DANGJOS]

Thank you for showing the absorption spectra! I love looking at them!!

[@MarandaOrtiz]

So glad this channel popped up in my recommend feed! It’s my new favorite! Been binging them all!!! I would love to know more about afghanite! Why is it so rare? Why don’t the crystals get larger? Why is it so hard to cut? Can you set it at all? Or why would you never? Would love to know more generally about pieces that are collectible instead of “wearable” and why they are considered that. Love you guys!!!!

[@gems]

Thanks! We'll definitely think about going more in depth on it in the future, but in the meantime, be sure to check out the afghanite we featured here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4HMmoCDn5h3p7s

[@pailingemstone]

Hello

[@imlistening1137]

In 1967, my grandmother gave me a ring with what she thought was an Alexandrite when I was about 10 years old (yeah, you know what happened later… ). It was about the size of a .3 or so size of an equivalent sized diamond, if I remember correctly (compared to the ring gave me, at age 16 (1973) which was a .25 carat (old diamond cut) diamond ring which was set in an Art Deco design of 18 karat gold (with a touch of black enamel maybe) that she received on her 16th birthday (in 1927) and that I gave to my daughter on her 16th birthday in 2003) The Alexandrite did exhibit color change of purple, blue, grey and green, depending on if I was inside or outside, or under fluorescent or incandescent light. It was very old, even gin 1967 when I received it, as it then had extreme narrowing in the gold on the back, or underside, or whatever you call the palm side, of the ring (18 karat- what was she thinking giving this to a 10 y/o kid?). I had a nervous habit of biting on the jewel- which I knew absolutely nothing about- and yes, it cracked. But it stayed intact in the ring and wasn’t noticeable unless one was inspecting it closely (and it also broke my bad habit of biting down on stones in rings- before I cracked a tooth). But later, I lost (or it was stolen, but I couldn’t prove it). That’s been 20 years ago and I still grieve the loss of that ring as I was given to me by such a special person in my life. And it’s also terrible since after Google and the information explosion I’ve been able to learn so much more about Alexandrite! I wonder where it is now….

[@JhonDiamond2021]

Amazing, really cool gemstones

[@JesseGalindo]

Not my jaw dropping when you said New Mexico 😂 literally where I live and it’s my birthstone, so cool!!

[@nadinev9077]

Very interesting and informative! I recently saw an alexandrite cat's eye at a jewelry store in Sri Lanka. It costs around 20,000 USD. Love your videos

[@luhkabocha7024]

Super cool video!

[@Chill1332]

Very cool history lesson and an AMAZING stone!

[@FrankLeeNacty]

The one gemstone I’m always out bid on, I’ve yet to own a piece of Alexandrite jewelry. I’m really enjoying the 90s feel video format, reminds me a bit of early ‘Where in the world is Carmen SanDiego’

[@kes9612]

Haha same, loved that game on the ol' Compaq Presario back in the 90s (for those who remember such a time- well known desktop computer). those were the days......

[@h_r7708]

Be careful. I have seen Alexandrite in auctions that went so cheap that I figured it was just Amatrine. Can't say for sure but if you find a good quality 4.5ct Alexandrite that goes for $50 instead of $50,000 be skeptical.

[@weirdcrunkygremlin1449]

Sugilite and Larimar next Please!!!! 😍 Alexandrite and Tsavorit are also favorite Stones of me.

[@hannahpumpkins4359]

A video on Sphene would be awesome!

[@TopazStones]

Very nice Explaination very well weldone

[@oviyaktm6531]

excellent video thanks

[@genier7829]

Benitoite and Fresnoite please, I only saw the latter once at a gem show. Benitoite comes from an area near me, but is very rare and interesting.

[@isiriscasiano3719]

This was very interesting. My neighbor introduced me to this stone since she has one!!

[@thundermind5572]

Thank you so much Gemstones crew. You have educated this little ole savant. Alexandrite is my #1 favorite. I've found a couple hundred carats worth in my secret antient glacial till stash and I love it. Alas my little 38c is the only gem quality so far and my cutter friend is making two rings with it. I'm trippin. What drives me nuts is the weather holding me from going back till around early Oct. Man I got that cheddar itch real bad and its not about wierd monetary stuff. Imma crusty old Luthier/ musician so I'm way past silly overfocusing. Its the freaky thrill of the finding and reseaching. Hey, y'all are tops. Best shows ever. Thanks again, William.

[@raycapetillo5569]

My birthstone!! Love this gem!

[@gorgeouscosmos1774]

Your channel the best! And I especially loved the video on gemologist vs geologist view. Please do feature more such gemologist vs geologist videos on sapphire and Ruby.

[@stephanieghansen]

Great video! Now I gotta go gem hunting!!

[@mahankalinagaraju966]

🙏Good videos my favorite channel

[@ThatOneLadyOverHere]

Such a cool stone! I discovered it while helping my best friend's now husband pick the stone for her ring. I thought it was the coolest thing! But apparently she was more concerned with the fact that it wasn't EXACTLY her favorite color than the fact that it changes color... disappointing. (We'd been looking for a specific color, it was just closest out of the options we had at the time and was meant as a placeholder unless she wanted to keep it. So she wasn't being obnoxious or anything. He gave her the choice. I was just disappointed. 😁)

[@rogerhargreaves2272]

Wow! It’s literally the most expensive colour change stone in the world. What colour was she wanting?

[@ThatOneLadyOverHere]

@@rogerhargreaves2272 she was wanting teal, I think the stone was more blue than she wanted. I feel like he had some kind of budget, but he has a well paying job and she comes from a wealthy family so... I have no idea! But I know the stone she had always admire was an emerald, so if she did end up replacing it it was probably an emerald. I also don't relate because I am definitely from lower class and so is my husband. My ring was $300 and has a rose quartz.

[@rogerhargreaves2272]

@@ThatOneLadyOverHere That’s actually quite interesting. If she changed it for what she liked, then so be it. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Yes, Emerald is very rare and beyond most people’s budget. Rose Quartz is a beautiful stone also. At the end of the day, if it’s what you like and can afford; then buy it. Rose Quartz is a very durable stone and with care should last a lifetime. 😀 from Wales U.K. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿.

[@ThatOneLadyOverHere]

@@rogerhargreaves2272 Yeah, I was just surprised that she wasn't as enthralled with the color change as I was! 😄 I love my rose quartz ring, my husband did good.

[@rogerhargreaves2272]

@@ThatOneLadyOverHere 😀 your husband sure made the perfect choice. ✨

[@parthborawake4548]

Talk about CAVANSITE, I bet you'll love it

[@bonnieabrs1003]

I have heard that there’s a gemstone found in Tanzania that’s been called a color change garnet(one name for it is Masai blue garnet. Is it a true gemstone, color change, please do a video on it. TU

[@rwsaldrich]

My favorite stone in my collection and it's only. 25 ct

[@chelsearoma6870]

I watch this channel everyday ! I have a twinning alexandrite .

[@aarifer]

I don't know if you already have a video on angelite, but I'd love to see a video on angelite!

[@rebeccaoneal2666]

I would love to learn about peacock ore and other color shifting rocks/gems/minerals

[@jaddal2215]

I was looking for June's gemstone and this came up in recommended. Once I learned that the absorption of light and reflection sat between emerald and ruby, it correlated to how June sits in the middle of all months. Maybe that is why? I'm not sure. Still a very informative and cool video

[@andrasbarkoczi3617]

Nice video! I would be impressed, if you make a video about Nuummite, because i think that ancient stone is worth it :)

[@siccosikkens3354]

Any gemstones found in Ireland beside Tavite

[@snufkinhollow318]

I'm in Ireland so I'd like to here about Irish gems too.

[@nick3745]

I've always loved Dioptase, thought the teal color was more intriguing than emerald which often is similarly included and translucent. Keeping with the color-change motif Sphene(Titanite) would be cool too as it is more dispersive than Diamond.

[@trenton6621]

Your old videos were okay but.. whoever is running it now or whatever changed its killer i love the new format

[@simarjitsinghsembhi7512]

I do find one! It’s uncut if you see it’s look green in room it’s look bluish. If you put it on light it’s show red,orange,yellow and shine like a light. In one room it’s show different and the other room different. I don’t now what to do with it. It’s beautiful gem or stone

[@MarandaOrtiz]

Would also love to learn about gems/stones that can be found in the US! Also more about matched sets. Why are they so difficult to match? Also how does 1 element like chromium produce stones of different colors?

[@gems]

We have a series about gems across America, so make sure to check that out! Matched sets can be difficult to match because you are accounting for several factors - color, cut, quality. Color is a surprisingly difficult thing to match, as there is an almost infinite range of hue, saturation, and tone to account for. As for chromium as a coloring agent, it interacts with each crystal structure differently, which can produce a different result. Beryl, corundum, and chrysoberyl, for example, all have different structures, and therefore the light interacts in various ways with the chromium in those structures.

[@babaashtankar9228]

How much price par caret.

[@themostgems]

Alexandrite the beauty ♥️💙

[@kes9612]

I really like the new lady but adored the old girl that did these videos, she was so captivating in her discussion of gemstones. Glad the channel is still making new content though

[@gatelaos1193]

Show us color change garnet or other gemstone 💎

[@smolmouse5320]

GOSH this channel is so gd cool. if i had to put my money on any particular origin story (though im already rather familiar with it, i just wanna hear y'all talk about it again XD) it'd be Opal. but, failing that, agate or bismuth!!

[@shankar_shankar983]

I was looking for mood ring made with thermo sensitive metal alloys in online shops and stumbled upon alexandrite,bought few cheap pieces but may not be original or good grade ones as there was no color change

[@geethal1]

In Srilanka some times we can find some alexandrite

[@hyperjuliaaa]

Do Malachite!

[@maximborisenko5776]

Sorry, you made a mistake alexandrite is named, not on honor of Alexandrite 3, but Alexander 2.

[@gems]

Oops! You’re right. Good catch!

[@randydavis8090]

I would love to hear your comments on Indicolite please

[@karengarcia8587]

To know the history📖 and facts about the gemstone alexandrite is so fascinating.😯😀💎 I'm amazed on how they're form, where they're found in Russia and how they can change colors from red to green.💎❤💚 This gemstone is one of my top 5 favorites🥰 and it's one of the 3 birthstones of June which is my cousin's and nephew's birthdays.🥳🎂 I like to know the origin of rose quartz next.💎💖 Thanks for teaching us about them.👩‍🏫 Nice video and see you later.😊👍💎❤💚

[@hotrodneedname]

Can you pleaseeeee do a video on all the other beautiful chrysoberyls that always get left out. I mean, is there anything prettier than a vanadium chrysoberyl?

[@danielhughes423]

Believe it or not I have 8 1/2 karet cushion cut ,from Brazil,it's freakn unbelievable

[@partnershipwithnature4829]

India has a very rich history of Diamonds & precious gems from early age. Please cover an episode on Kohinoor.

[@wanbangtolongunboxingvenom2787]

Pls show compair between peridot and demantoid Russia

[@dienz1]

thq for the review ..its coincident i search it

[@denethkariavasam6668]

Wowwww👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@odlr6297]

Hiii, I'm a chemistry student and I'm trying to find out if the color change of alexandrite could possibly be caused by a ligand with chromium or if it has anything to do with coordination chemistry at all, heelppp! Also I just discovered this channel and it has inspired me, your work is truly amazing, thanks :33

[@FatBellyChemist1234]

You know crystal structure? Also the bond distance bn Cr, V and the rest of atoms in Alexandrite? those different bond lengths also contribute to the crystal thingo. Like Australian black opals the bond distance bn Silica spheres and water creates diff wavelengths. Light is white, so it hits and bounces.

[@FatBellyChemist1234]

I hope it helps as I did ask my former chem teachers about it too.

[@than.aung.740]

ကြၽန္​​ေတာ္​၊ဇနီး​ေလးဦးယူမည္​။

[@idonthaveaname42]

Do one on malawi blue zircon

[@lulunanita]

Its soooo gorgeous 😫 I have 4 cabochons but still don’t know what to do with them

[@hazelnutcase357]

A pendant would mean less chance of damage. (Or you could gift them to me 😁)

[@unpopuIaropinion]

Amazing stone that I think is a bit underrated.

[@deannaallen4670]

My birthstone! I am on the hunt for a 2ct for a new ring but finding a real one is very hard.

[@robertterrell3065]

I would like you to feature red emerald, or bixbite. I've read it's more valuable than gold, and rarer than diamond (which is not saying much, probably). And also, I love this channel, btw :)

[@ravengateley7677]

I lucked out with a lovely (but lab created) Alexandrite one of the purplish kind. But now I can't find stones to pair with it for a ring - the troubles of life.

[@DonnaD-n1c]

You can find lab alexandrites from JTV. However, JTV discloses in the online description that they are actually selling lab grown/lab created color change sapphires that test as sapphires and have the same chemical properties as earth-mined sapphires.

[@FatBellyChemist1234]

I am typically not a fan of green but Alexandrites just made me think twice.

[@GracieAckerman]

My grandmother’s friend had a big emerald cut one in a ring surrounded by small black diamonds cut diamond shape - the ring was her mothers and it was from 1890. As a child she would let me wear it when she and my grandmother had tea 🫖 I had no idea how expensive it was until I stared to research if. The ring was probably a couple of carats and the stone was Russian- it would be worth a fortune today

[@Annemariekira]

Russian and Brazilian alexandrites are the best in terms of color change

[@suranjithmadusanka856]

I have one in srilanka

[@veseladobreva9418]

Please, can you make video about Ruby? I would love to know where in the world can find this magical gem! It is one of my favourite and also my birthstone.

[@gems]

We're definitely planning to make more videos about rubies, but, in the meantime, check out our Top 5 Gem Deposits video, where we cover the "Land of Rubies" and how they formed: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m36pd6qmqat0pqM

[@pailingemstone]

How strong it is?

[@gems]

It is an 8.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which is relatively hard. It has excellent toughness and no cleavage, so it’s a pretty good choice for jewelry…if you can find one.

[@liem11]

Growing up I loved that there was a cool gemstone that shares my name. Now I own a huge half of a synthetic boule to play with.

[@Aeguis]

I'm interested in Jade and Tanzanite.

[@marionbradley6236]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@aaaaaaaaaaa5820]

Can you do tigers eye next please. The only stuff if get when I search it up on KZbin is occult stuff can you do a mundane video for it please ❤️❤️❤️

[@travish1853]

If only I could find a sellar for rough alexandrite!!... facet grade of course ;)

[@juntoemisturado1]

😍

[@worlderrorcoins]

Hello thankyou

[@marceligastaldi9752]

alexandrite star ( with asterism ) is most beautiful than regular .. and rare. i love cat eye alexandrie.

[@suranjithmadusanka856]

Do you want that gem.

[@zully756]

Found in Tanzania

[@tonyaosier1678]

Is there a clear Alexandrite, that will pick up the color around you?

[@vpvpvp6968]

Now I see why chromium's name comes from the Greek word for colour. :)

[@Channel-qm2yd]

♥️🙏👍👍👍

[@harleyv1969]

Wow 👍$

[@nyrilly3843]

Ok .gems that can be found in the uk .

[@southernmama9362]

Moonstone 🌜🪨

[@lavaunjohns7796]

I inherited a large round stone that turns from purple to almost a teal and I'm told that it's Alexandrite although I suspect because of the size and cut that it's manmade. Uncertain where to send it to have it appraised here in California.

[@trenton6621]

Check out there "how to identify gem stones" video should help i can find the link if you need

[@trenton6621]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnbYfp-Ogtmbla8

[@gems]

Do you have a means of magnification to inspect its inclusions? That can be a big indicator of its natural or synthetic origins. Take a look and let us know what you see!

[@embereverafter3034]

I recommend Do not ever send it anywhere or leave it alone beyond your sight of vision with anyone- I’ve heard this advice from a trusted appraiser & it’s a sad truth of today’s time, but it is really not wise to trust anyone as so few are truly deserving of our trust.. but wishing best of luck regardless..

[@TsarHare]

Love