Colors
- Bluish green in daylight or fluorescent light
- Purplish red in incandescent light or candlelight
Browse other gems by color: Green · Red · Purple
Where Alexandrite comes from
- Brazil
- Sri Lanka
- East Africa (natural stones are scarce; lab created stones are more common)
Alexandrite meaning and history
The name: Named after Alexander II of Russia.
First found in Russia in the 19th century; its red and green matched the Imperial Russian flag.
Meanings and powers attributed to gems are history and folklore. We report them; we do not claim a stone can do anything.
How hard is Alexandrite?
Alexandrite is 8.5 on the Mohs scale, where talc is 1, quartz 7 and diamond 10. Toughness, its resistance to chipping and breaking: excellent, with no cleavage; suits rings and daily wear.
See every birthstone on the hardness chart
How to clean and care for Alexandrite
| Warm soapy water | Safe |
|---|---|
| Ultrasonic cleaner | Usually safe |
| Steam cleaner | Usually safe |
Heat, light and chemicals: Stable to heat, light and common chemicals in normal wear.
Treatments to ask about
Usually untreated. Clean any fracture filled stones only with warm soapy water.
Can you wear Alexandrite every day?
Great for everyday rings Hard and tough. Fine for rings worn every day. Check other stones.
Compare Alexandrite
Pearl vs Alexandrite · Alexandrite vs Moonstone
Frequently asked questions
What is Alexandrite?
A rare variety of chrysoberyl that changes color with the light: "emerald by day, ruby by night".
What month is Alexandrite the birthstone for?
June. It shares the month with Pearl and Moonstone.
How hard is Alexandrite?
8.5 on the Mohs scale. Toughness: excellent, with no cleavage; suits rings and daily wear.
How do you clean Alexandrite?
Warm soapy water: safe. Ultrasonic cleaner: usually safe. Steam: usually safe.
What does Alexandrite symbolize?
First found in Russia in the 19th century; its red and green matched the Imperial Russian flag. These are traditions and history, not claims about what the stone can do.
Sources
- GIA: Alexandrite care and cleaning (hardness, toughness, stability, cleaning, treatments)
- AGS: Alexandrite (what it is, colors, sources, history)
- American Gem Society: Birthstones (birthstone months)
Checked October 16, 2026.