Alexandrite

Alexandrite

SCIENCE / MINERALOGY
Alexandrite is the color-change variety of chrysoberyl, BeAl₂O₄. Chromium substituting into the crystal structure produces its famous color change: typically green to bluish green in daylight and red, purplish red, or raspberry under warmer incandescent illumination. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system and is one of the harder natural gemstones.

GEOLOGY & FORMATION
Alexandrite forms in unusual geological environments where beryllium and chromium—elements that normally occur in very different rock systems—are brought together. It is associated with mica schists, pegmatitic environments, and metamorphic or metasomatic rocks. Historic material came from Russia's Ural Mountains; important modern sources include Brazil, Sri Lanka, East Africa, and Madagascar.

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Alexandrite is traditionally associated with transformation, adaptability, and the ability to hold two perspectives at once. Its dramatic color change makes it a natural symbol of transition, emotional flexibility, and self-discovery. It is often used to support confidence during periods of change and to encourage alignment between intuition, personal desire, and practical reality.

KEY PROPERTIES
Transformation • Adaptability • Confidence • Self-discovery • Balance • Intuition • Renewal

CHAKRA: Heart • Crown
ELEMENT: Earth • Water • Air • Storm
ZODIAC: Scorpio
MOHS HARDNESS: 8.5

ACCURACY NOTE
Natural alexandrite is a chromium-bearing chrysoberyl variety; synthetic alexandrite also exists.