Alexandrite

Alexandrite is a gemstone. It is a type of chrysoberyl. Different kinds of light make the colors change. This is called the "alexandrite effect."

Lab-grown alexandrite is made in a laboratory with the same chemical makeup, crystal structure, and appearance as natural alexandrite. It costs much less than natural alexandrite.^[1]

Some gemstones sold as alexandrite are not real alexandrite. These are called simulated alexandrite and are often made from color-change sapphire or glass. They look like alexandrite but are made of a different material.^[2]

One story says that alexandrite was named in honor of Alexander II of Russia. Alexander was not yet Tsar at the time.

Alexandrite has been found in Russia, Brazil, India, Madagascar and Sri Lanka.

Alexandrite is one of the birthstones for June.