Alexandrite Stone

Table of Contents: Alexandrite Stone

“Alexandrite Stone”
- Did you know?
I. Geological Overview of Alexandrite Stone
II. Traditional Applications of Alexandrite Stone
III. Holistic Properties & Healing Benefits of Alexandrite Stone
IV. Care and Use of Alexandrite Stone
V. History of Alexandrite Stone
VI. Crystallography of Alexandrite Stone
Sources & Credits
- More Healing Crystals

“Alexandrite Stone”

Pronunciation: al-ig-zan-dryte

General use: Balancing the emotional and physical bodies, enhancing intuition, and manifesting major life transformations.

Location: Originally discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia; modern deposits are found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Madagascar.

Time Period: First discovered in 1830 on the birthday of Tsar Alexander II of Russia, serving as a symbol of the Russian Imperial era.

Quick Facts


Varieties	Russian Alexandrite, Brazilian Alexandrite, Cat’s Eye Alexandrite, Synthetic Alexandrite
Chakra Alignment	Heart, Third Eye, and Crown Chakra
Affirmation	I embrace change and find perfect balance between my physical and spiritual worlds.
Vibration Number	Number 5
Element	Earth and Fire
Planet	Mercury
Zodiac Sign	Gemini
Birthstone	June (Modern)
Metaphysical Realm	Emotional and Spiritual
Benefits	Transformation, Emotional Balance, Intuition, Prosperity, Self Esteem, Luck
Cleansing	Moonlight, Smudging, or Selenite. Generally safe for warm soapy water.
Mineral Class	Oxide (Chrysoberyl variety)
Chemical Formula	BeAl2O4
Crystal System	Orthorhombic
Mohs Hardness	8.5
Primary Color	Green in daylight, Purplish-Red in incandescent light
Transparency	Transparent to Translucent
Lustre	Vitreous
Refractive Index	1.744 to 1.755
Specific Gravity	3.70 to 3.78

ART: Fine jewelry connoisseurs seek Alexandrite Stone for its exceptional pleochroism, often setting it in high-carat gold to highlight the contrast between its cool forest greens and warm raspberry reds.

HIDDEN TRUTH: Most vintage “Alexandrite” found in estate jewelry is actually lab-grown color-change sapphire or spinel; true natural Alexandrite is one of the most expensive and rarest gemstones on Earth.

FACT: The phenomenon that causes the color change is known as the “Alexandrite Effect,” caused by the complex way chromium ions absorb light within the crystal lattice.

Did you know?

Did you know that Alexandrite Stone was named the national stone of Tsarist Russia because its green and red hues perfectly matched the colors of the Imperial Russian flag?

I. Geological Overview of Alexandrite Stone

Alexandrite Stone is an extremely rare, chromium-bearing variety of chrysoberyl that forms under highly specific geological conditions. It requires the presence of both beryllium, a rare element in the Earth’s crust, and chromium, which is typically found in different rock types. For these two to meet and form a crystal without the presence of silica (which would create emerald instead) is a geological “miracle.” It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, often forming cyclic twins that result in a hexagonal appearance, and its high hardness makes it exceptionally durable.

II. Traditional Applications of Alexandrite Stone

Historically, the stone was a symbol of high status and military honor within the Russian Empire, often worn by the nobility to signify loyalty to the crown. In modern metaphysical circles, practitioners use the stone to bridge the gap between the material and spiritual worlds, encouraging the wearer to maintain their center during periods of upheaval. Because of its scarcity, it is rarely used in industrial applications, remaining almost exclusively a treasure for high-end gem collectors and investment-grade jewelry.

III. Holistic Properties & Healing Benefits of Alexandrite Stone

Alexandrite Stone provides comprehensive holistic benefits by acting as a powerful catalyst for internal change and emotional equilibrium. It functions across multiple planes:

Physical Level: It is believed to support the nervous system and the reproductive organs, while also aiding in the assimilation of proteins and vitamins.
Mental Level: It stimulates the imagination and helps the user integrate contradictory ideas, fostering a more flexible and creative mindset.
Emotional Level: It acts as a bridge between the heart and the mind, helping to soothe grief and encouraging the user to find joy in daily life.
Spiritual Level: It serves as a guardian of transformation, assisting the soul in navigating major life transitions and past-life recall during deep meditation.

IV. Care and Use of Alexandrite Stone

Proper care for Alexandrite Stone involves respecting its value while utilizing its natural durability. To maintain the integrity and energy of your specimen:

Cleaning Routine: While it is hard enough for ultrasonic cleaners, the safest method is warm soapy water and a soft cloth to maintain its vitreous lustre.
Lighting Interaction: To fully experience the stone’s energy, view it under varying light sources (natural sun versus evening lamplight) to align with its dual nature.
Storage: Store it separately from other gemstones to prevent it from scratching softer minerals, as its 8.5 hardness can easily damage quartz or fluorite.
Practical Use: Wear Alexandrite during important career or life transitions to help manifest a positive outcome and stay grounded in your personal truth.

V. History of Alexandrite Stone

The history of Alexandrite Stone is a tale of royal discovery and eventual depletion. Following its 1830 discovery in the Ural Mountains, the original mines were exhausted relatively quickly, leading many to believe the stone would vanish from the market. However, significant discoveries in Brazil and Africa in the late 20th century revived interest in the mineral. Despite these new sources, the “Russian” specimens remain the gold standard due to their intense color saturation, and the stone continues to be celebrated as a symbol of luck, fortune, and the complex beauty of change.

VI. Crystallography of Alexandrite Stone


Cyclic Twinning	The mineral often forms “trillings,” where three crystals grow together to create a six-sided, star-like shape.
Chromium Absorption	Trace chromium replaces aluminum in the structure, creating a narrow transmission band in the yellow part of the spectrum.
Orthorhombic Habit	Crystals typically grow in tabular or short prismatic forms with distinct striations on the faces.
Heart Balancing	In holistic energy work, the vibration of the stone is used to harmonize the heart chakra with the higher mind.
Duality Frequency	This link to the “day/night” colors strengthens the stone’s ability to balance masculine and feminine energies.
Intuition Anchor	Rooted in its high refractive index, the mineral is used to sharpen the “Third Eye” and increase psychic perception.