Whitney Alexandrite

Photography by Chip Clark. Gift of Coralyn Wright Whitney, 2009.

Alexandrite is a gem variety of the mineral chrysoberyl, and is one of the most prized and exotic gemstones. The sensational feature about this stone is its dramatic color change from green or bluish-green in daylight to purplish-red under incandescent light. The original locality for alexandrite is Russia, however, now most alexandrite comes from Brazil, Sri Lanka, India, Tanzania, and Madagascar. Alexandrite in sizes over 5 carats are extremely rare.

The Whitney Alexandrite is one of the finest known alexandrites from the Hematita Mine in Minas Gerais, Brazil. This spectacular gem weighs 17.08 carats, and appears a raspberry color under incandescent light and a teal color in daylight. The Whitney Alexandrite is a gift from Coralyn Wright Whitney to the Smithsonian's fine gem collection in 2009. It is on view in the National Gem Gallery.

Visit The Smithsonian Institution mineral and gem collection to see the real gem.

Alexandrite is the color-change variety of the mineral chrysoberyl. A change of color occurs when the light source is changed; the more distinct the change of color, the more valuable the stone. A fine alexandrite is green in daylight and red in incandescent light (light bulb).

Finely faceted alexandrites above one carat are some of the most expensive gems in the world. They are extremely rare, rarer than fine ruby, sapphire or emerald.

The picture above is a set of alexandrite and diamond jewelry. A set comprised a ring set with a circular-cut alexandrite weighing 4.25 carats and pavé-set diamond surround; and a pair of ear pendants en suite, each set with a circular-cut alexandrite weighing 4.42 and 4.41 carats,mounted in 18k white gold.

Three alexandrites were certified by Gübelin Gemmological Laboratory for color change phenomenon. A set was auctioned for $141,796 at Christie's, Hong Kong.