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Green by Day
In daylight, alexandrite is a grayish green to bluish green.
Red by Night
Under a lamp or candlelight, alexandrite is a brownish red to purplish red.
Star-Shaped Alexandrite
Three alexandrite crystals grew through one another to create a star.

Alexandrite can change colors under different kinds of light. For example, it can be green in daylight but can change to a brownish or purplish red under a lamp. This is because it is a special type of mineral called chrysoberyl that absorbs light in a complex way.

Colors
IMG - Gem Factoid Color - Green IMG - Gem Factoid Color - Red
Alexandrite’s amazing colors are bluish green in daylight and purplish red under lamplight or candle flame.
History

1830

Discovery

Alexandrite was discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia over 180 years ago. That is actually pretty recent for discovering a gem.
Lore
GK IMG - Lore Factoid Template 200x200
The Russian people think of alexandrite as a good omen. An omen is a sign of things to come.
what's in a name?
Alexandrite
[al-ex-an-drite]
(noun) Alexandrite was named after Alexander II, the czar (emperor) of Russia from 1855 to 1881.

more to see and do

MTSAD Glossary
GemKids Glossary
MTSAD Story of a Gem
Gems
MTSAD Jewelry Time Machine
Jewelry Time Machine
MTSAD GIA.edu
GIA.edu