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

The Alexandrite stone provides comprehensive holistic benefits by acting as a powerful frequency for the integration of opposites and the mastery of the “Dual Self.” It functions as a bridge between the physical heart (green) and the spiritual fire (red), ensuring that the user remains grounded while pursuing their highest creative passions.

Physical Level: Practitioners believe it assists in regenerating the neurological system and balancing the endocrine glands, while also utilizing it to treat disorders of the pancreas and spleen.
Mental Level: The stone acts as a tool for “strategic adaptability,” helping the user to see multiple solutions to a single problem and encouraging a flexible mindset during high-pressure negotiations.
Emotional Level: It acts as a primary stabilizer for those experiencing “identity crises,” replacing feelings of self-doubt and confusion with a vibrant sense of self-worth and joy in one’s uniqueness.
Spiritual Level: It facilitates a connection between the Heart and Crown Chakras, encouraging the user to recognize that “change” is the only constant and that transformation is the path to divine wisdom.

Metaphysically, the stone’s Orthorhombic System reflects an energy of directional focus and the alignment of the three planes of existence. Furthermore, the Color-Change Phenomenon of Alexandrite is spiritually interpreted as a reminder that perception is subjective and that truth can look different depending on the “light” in which it is viewed. Because the stone possesses a Vitreous Lustre, it is energetically used to “illuminate” hidden talents. Additionally, its Chromium Content serves as a vitalizing catalyst for the soul, while the Extreme Hardness of the mineral acts as a protective shield that keeps the user’s spirit intact during life’s most intense fires.

IV. Care and Use of Alexandrite Stone

Proper care for the Alexandrite stone involves maintaining its high-vibration clarity and clearing the “transitional fatigue” it absorbs while assisting the user through change. Owners must recognize that while Alexandrite is physically tough, it is energetically sensitive to stagnant environments and requires regular “resets” to keep its color-change frequency sharp.

Cleansing/Clearing: You should clear your Alexandrite by passing it through the smoke of white sage or palo santo; this “Air” ritual effectively removes the energetic imprints of past versions of yourself. Alternatively, you can utilize the running water method by holding the stone under a cool, natural stream for two minutes to wash away the “dust” of old habits.
Charging: You can charge your Alexandrite stone by placing it in the soft light of a Crescent Moon; this aligns the stone with the energy of “becoming” and new growth. Furthermore, you may rest the stone on a cluster of Clear Quartz for 12 hours to amplify its natural color-change frequency and to “re-tune” its connection to the Third Eye.
Intentional Use: You should hold the Alexandrite during a “transition meditation,” visualizing yourself stepping out of an old skin and into a radiant new light; the stone will “store” this metamorphic intent. Additionally, you may wear the stone during important meetings to enhance your adaptability and to ensure you are seen in the “best light” by those around you.

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


Crystal System	Orthorhombic: Typically forming tabular crystals or cyclic twins that create a pseudo-hexagonal shape.
Trilling Habit	Three crystals growing together to form a “star,” representing the union of mind, body, and spirit.
Chromium Ions	The specific placement of Chromium within the Beryllium-Aluminum structure enables the “Alexandrite Effect.”
Refractive Index	1.744 – 1.755: A high index that ensures the stone has “life” and “fire” even in low-light conditions.
Birefringence	0.007 – 0.011: Low to moderate double refraction that keeps the color-change band crisp and defined.
Optical Character	Biaxial Positive: Reflects a multi-directional energy flow that supports complex spiritual transformations.
Specific Gravity	3.70 – 3.73: A dense feel that represents a “heavyweight” level of spiritual protection and grounding.
Fracture Type	Conchoidal to Uneven: Breaks with smooth curves, signifying the fluid nature of a soul in transition.
Lattice Structure	Oxide Framework: A stable and rigid structure that symbolizes the enduring strength of the true self.
Pleochroism	Strong: Displays different colors when viewed from different angles, symbolizing multi-faceted wisdom.