What does alexandrite mean?
Alexandrite is a rare and highly prized variety of the mineral chrysoberyl, celebrated above all for its remarkable ability to change colour. In daylight or fluorescent light it appears green to bluish-green, while under incandescent or candlelight it shifts to red or purplish-red — an effect caused by trace chromium within the crystal structure. The gem takes its name from Tsar Alexander II of Russia, having been discovered in the Ural Mountains in the nineteenth century, and its green-and-red play of colour was said to echo the military colours of imperial Russia. Because top-quality specimens are exceptionally scarce, fine alexandrite commands prices rivaling those of diamond, ruby, and emerald, and it is regarded as one of the rarest of all gemstones. It also serves as a June birthstone in some traditions. The word is used chiefly in gemmological, jewellery, and collector contexts, where 'colour-change' is the defining quality discussed.
nounA rare variety of the mineral chrysoberyl that appears green or bluish-green in daylight and red or purplish-red under incandescent light, prized as a gemstone.
- The rare colour-changing variety of chrysoberyl, valued as a gemstone, appearing green in daylight and red under incandescent light.
"The ring's centrepiece was a flawless alexandrite that shifted from emerald green to raspberry red as she moved from daylight into lamplight."
"Collectors prize fine alexandrite above almost all other coloured gems because of its dramatic colour change."
"Her antique brooch held an alexandrite that glowed green in the morning sun and deep crimson by candlelight."
When counting individual stones, the plural 'alexandrites' is used; as a material noun it is typically uncountable.
"The auction featured three exceptional alexandrites from the original Ural deposits."
Discovered in Russia's Ural Mountains and named for Tsar Alexander II, alexandrite shows green by day and red by night — mirroring the colours of imperial Russia.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of alexandrite
The word alexandrite derives from the given name Alexander, honouring Tsar Alexander II of Russia, after whom the gem was named following its discovery in the Ural Mountains in the 1830s. The name Alexander itself traces back through Latin and Greek — Alexandros, meaning 'defender of men' — so the gemstone's name ultimately shares roots with names such as Alexandra and places such as Alexandria. As a mineralogical term it entered English during the nineteenth century alongside the growing vocabulary of modern gem science.
How alexandrite is actually used
A specialist term used mainly in gemmology, jewellery, and mineralogy; in general conversation it appears mostly when discussing birthstones (it is the June birthstone in some traditions) or rare gems. The word is uncountable in typical use, though individual stones are referred to as 'an alexandrite'.
Easily confused with alexandrite
Chrysoberyl is the parent mineral species, of which alexandrite is only one rare, colour-changing variety.
Amethyst is a purple quartz gemstone whose colour is constant, whereas alexandrite famously changes colour depending on the light source.