0.70 Ct. Alexandrite from Brazil

This specimen from The Natural Gemstone Company is a captivating 0.70 carat, round alexandrite demonstrating the classical and much-loved color change from green in daylight and fluorescent lighting to a purplish red under incandescent light. The stone measures 5.57 x 5.52 x 3.33 mm and has been cut in a mixed brilliant style, a choice that balances brilliance, fire, and the visibility of alexandrite’s signature chromatic shift. Originating from Brazil and confirmed to have received no enhancement, this gem presents intense color saturation combined with an excellent polish, attributes that make it especially desirable to an educated buyer seeking a natural, untreated color-change gem. The compact dimensions and nearly symmetrical outline reflect careful preforming and precise cutting, and the visual images under different lighting conditions illustrate a clear and dramatic change consistent with quality alexandrite material.

From a clarity and grading perspective this alexandrite is described as slightly included when examined at eye level. For those familiar with gem grading, slightly included indicates the presence of natural inclusions that are visible upon casual inspection but do not dominate the gem’s appearance or substantially detract from its optical performance. In alexandrite, such inclusions are common and in many cases can create interesting internal character without weakening durability or reducing overall beauty. The excellent polish reported on this piece means facet junctions are well finished and surfaces are smooth, attributes that maximize light reflection off individual facets and thereby improve overall brilliance and scintillation. Combined with the intense color intensity noted, the slightly included clarity grade represents a reasonable and expected trade-off for a natural, untreated alexandrite of this size and striking color-change effect.

Geometric faceting plays a central role in the optical performance of this gem, and the mixed brilliant cut used here is specifically chosen to allow maximum light play while preserving the strong color change typical of chromium-bearing chrysoberyl. In a mixed brilliant cut the cutter typically employs a brilliant-style crown, with its triangular and kite-shaped facets arranged to capture and reflect incident light, paired with a modified pavilion that may incorporate step-like facets or deeper angles to enhance color saturation and internal reflection. This combination optimizes multiple optical phenomena at once: the brilliant crown facets create lively scintillation and return of white light, while the pavilion geometry deepens the body color and helps channel light through wavelength-specific pathways that accentuate the alexandrite effect. The result is a balance between bright sparkle and a rich, dynamic body color that shifts convincingly from green to purplish red as the lighting changes. The excellent polish further ensures that facet planes act as crisp mirrors, limiting light leakage and enhancing both brilliance and the perception of color change.

For the informed buyer, this alexandrite offers several compelling points of value. Its natural Brazilian origin places it among a growing group of new-world alexandrites that can show very strong color change at competitive sizes, and the confirmed absence of enhancement means the color is inherent rather than produced or stabilized by treatment, a premium attribute in the collector and connoisseur markets. The 0.70 carat weight combined with precise dimensions, intense color intensity, and the optimized mixed brilliant geometry make it particularly suitable as a centerpiece for fine jewelry where color-change visibility is prized, such as solitaires set to allow light from multiple angles or as the focal stone in a custom engagement ring. Durability is also a practical consideration: alexandrite is a variety of chrysoberyl with a hardness of approximately 8.5 on the Mohs scale and excellent toughness, making it well-suited for regular wear when set securely. Prospective purchasers are encouraged to consider settings that showcase the stone’s dual personality under different light sources, and to request additional imagery or a detailed report for certification if desired. At The Natural Gemstone Company we stand behind the provenance and described characteristics of this stone and are available to provide additional information, high-resolution images, or help with setting recommendations to ensure the gem is presented to best advantage.