How to Know If Alexandrite Is Real and Original

Alexandrite is a variety of the mineral chrysoberyl and is prized for its ability to change color in different lighting conditions. The stone was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s and was named after Alexander II, the then-tsar of Russia. Alexandrite stone typically exhibits a greenish-blue color in incandescent light and a raspberry red color in natural sunlight.

What Makes Alexandrite Unique and Rare?

There are several things that make alexandrite unique and rare. First, it is one of the few gemstones that exhibits a noticeable color change. Second, natural alexandrite is quite rare and is typically only found in small sizes. Third, alexandrite has a relatively high hardness (8 on the Mohs scale) and is, therefore, suitable for use in jewelry.

The stone has unique metaphysical properties and healing powers, which has made it a popular choice for use in crystal therapy. Alexandrite offers benefits like:

• The stone can promote balance and creativity.
• It is said to be helpful in treating depression and anxiety.
• Alexandrite can also help with concentration and focus.
• It is said to boost self-esteem and confidence.
• The stone is believed to help manifest your dreams and goals.
• Alexandrite is thought to boost confidence and self-esteem.
• The stone is believed to help with decision-making and problem-solving.
• Alexandrite is said to encourage balance and harmony.
• It can promote feelings of love, joy, and happiness.

Alexandrite is a beautiful and unique gemstone that has been prized by collectors for centuries. But with the recent increase in popularity of lab-created stones, it can be not easy to know if the alexandrite you’re considering is the real thing. Here are a few tips to help you distinguish between natural and lab-created alexandrite.

Check Its Color Changing Feature

The most important factor in determining whether an alexandrite gemstone is real or fake is its color change ability. If the stone does not change color, it is not a natural alexandrite. The color change should be dramatic and easily visible to the naked eye. If you’re not sure whether the color change is real, try taking a photo of the stone in different lighting conditions and see if the colors appear different in the photos.

Natural alexandrite typically exhibits a greenish-blue color in incandescent light and a raspberry red color in natural sunlight.

Look at the Clarity and Inclusion

Natural alexandrite is typically quite included, meaning it has internal flaws or impurities. These inclusions can actually add to the beauty of the stone and are often used as a way to tell if an alexandrite is real or fake. If the stone has no inclusions or imperfections, it is likely a fake.

Another way to tell if an alexandrite is real or fake is to look at the stone under a microscope. Alexandrite should have distinctive three-phase inclusions. If you cannot see these inclusions, the stone is likely a fake. Lab-created alexandrite typically has fewer inclusions than natural alexandrite.

Check the Cut

The cut of an alexandrite can also be a clue to its authenticity. Most natural alexandrites are cut into cabochons, which are smooth, rounded gems. If the alexandrite you’re considering is cut into a faceted stone, it is more likely to be lab-created. Also, be sure to examine the symmetry and proportions of the gem. If they are not well-balanced, the stone is likely a fake.

Carat Weight

Alexandrites are typically small stones, with the majority of natural alexandrites weighing less than one carat. If the alexandrite you’re considering is larger than one carat, it is more likely to be lab-created. Also, be aware that many fake alexandrites on the market are actually cubic zirconia or other synthetic stones that have been treated to resemble alexandrite.

Ask an Expert 

Alexandrite is a soft stone and can be easily damaged by heat, chemicals, and ultrasonic cleaners. If you are considering purchasing an alexandrite, make sure to ask the seller if the stone has been treated in any way.

Be aware that many alexandrites on the market are actually cubic zirconia or other synthetic stones that have been treated to resemble alexandrite. If you’re not sure whether the alexandrite you’re considering is real or fake, ask a certified gemologist to examine the stone. A certified gemologist will be able to tell you for sure whether the alexandrite is real or fake.

Look for a Lab Certification

If you’re considering purchasing an alexandrite, make sure to ask the seller for a lab certification. A lab certification will confirm that the stone is indeed an alexandrite and will give you information about the stone’s carat weight, clarity, and color.

Check Its Hardness

Alexandrite has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale. This means it is suitable for use in jewelry and can withstand everyday wear and tear. If you’re unsure whether the alexandrite you’re considering is real or fake, try scratching it with a piece of quartz. If the stone scratches easily, it is likely fake. If the stone is too soft, it may be more likely to scratch or chip.

Inspect Its Physical Properties

Real alexandrite should exhibit pleochroism, meaning that it will show different colors when viewed from different angles. If the alexandrite you’re considering does not show pleochroism, it is likely fake.

The Refractive index is another physical property that can be used to identify alexandrite. Alexandrite has a refractive index of 1.745-1.760. If the stone you’re considering does not have this refractive index, it is likely fake.

Purchase from a Reputable Dealer 

If you’re considering purchasing an alexandrite, make sure to purchase the stone from a reputable dealer like GemPundit. A trusted seller will be able to provide you with a lab certification and answer any questions you have about the authenticity of the stone. Purchasing an alexandrite from a reputable dealer is the best way to ensure that you’re getting a real stone.

When purchasing an alexandrite, it is important to be aware of the many fake stones on the market. Be sure to examine the stone carefully and look for clues that it may be fake.