1.12 Ct. Alexandrite from Brazil

This alexandrite is a transparent, natural gemstone, presented in a classical emerald cut, weighing 1.12 carats, with precise dimensions of 6.61 x 5.09 x 3.32 mm. The material originates from Brazil, it has not been subjected to any enhancement, and it carries a clarity grade of very slightly included when evaluated at eye level. The cut has been executed to emphasize broad, planar facets typical of the emerald style, and the polish has been evaluated as excellent. Color intensity is described as intense, and the material demonstrably shifts from a greenish tone under fluorescent light to a purplish tone under incandescent illumination. The Natural Gemstone Company confirms these attributes through our standard gemological examination and documentation, and the stone is offered in its natural, untreated state.

Optical and physical properties of this alexandrite contribute directly to its reflective behavior. As a chrysoberyl variety, typical refractive index values fall in a range that yields strong light return compared with many common gem materials, while dispersion remains relatively modest. The combination of a high refractive index and low dispersion produces a clear, vivid play of color and defined facet contrast rather than the pronounced spectral fire seen in gems with higher dispersion. The emerald cut chosen for this piece privileges color presentation and clean, broad flashes of light, making the color change between lighting environments readily observable across the table and step facets. With a Mohs hardness of approximately 8.5, the material is durable for everyday wear, and the excellent polish enhances the surface reflection and overall visual appeal without introducing additional visual noise.

When comparing reflective qualities to other gemstones commonly considered in the same category of fine colored stones, several distinctions emerge. Compared with emerald, which has a lower refractive index and typically more internal inclusions, this alexandrite will display stronger light return and a cleaner, more transparent appearance, and its color change effect is entirely different from the static green of emerald. Compared with corundum varieties such as sapphire, which can have a similarly strong luster and somewhat higher refractive indices, alexandrite offers a more complex optical personality because of its color change, even though sapphire can exhibit higher brilliance in a well executed brilliant cut. Compared with spinel, which generally has a lower refractive index and a more glassy appearance, alexandrite shows crisper facet reflections and more pronounced color depth. Color-change garnets may demonstrate dramatic shifts between light sources, and some can rival alexandrite for the intensity of change, however garnets often have different crystal optical properties that produce a different type of internal light scattering and a different luster, making alexandrite distinct in the way it preserves clarity while shifting hue.

The emerald cut of this alexandrite moderates scintillation and emphasizes large, mirror-like facet reflections and overall color saturation, which is a deliberate choice to showcase the gem’s color change rather than maximizing small point scintillation. For jewelry applications where the color shift is the primary attribute, the cut and proportions of this stone are well matched to the material, yielding a balanced presentation of greenish to purplish tones across typical viewing conditions. The very slightly included clarity grade means that inclusions are minimal at typical viewing distances, preserving transparency and allowing internal reflections to remain largely uninterrupted. Given its durability, optical character, and untreated Brazilian origin, this alexandrite is particularly suited for ring settings with protective prongs or bezel options, as well as for pendants and earrings where the color change can be appreciated in varying lighting. The Natural Gemstone Company stands behind the natural origin and the stated characteristics of this gem, and we provide clear documentation to support the stone’s weight, dimensions, clarity, polish, and lack of enhancement.