1.13 Ct. Alexandrite from Brazil

This item is a transparent chrysoberyl alexandrite, 1.13 carat, oval shape, with dimensions 7.57 x 5.27 x 3.67 mm. The stone is cut in a mixed brilliant style, producing a balance of pavilion brilliance and crown scintillation that supports both color saturation and lively facet play. Clarity is graded as very slightly included evaluated at eye level, indicating that inclusions are minor and do not significantly affect the gem appearance in normal viewing. Color behavior is a defining feature of this specimen, shifting from a greenish blue in fluorescent or daylight conditions to purple under incandescent lighting, and the overall color intensity is vivid. The polish is excellent, the transparency is clear, and there has been no enhancement applied. The documented origin is Brazil, and The Natural Gemstone Company presents this piece as an untreated natural alexandrite with a pronounced, attractive color change.

Comparing hue and tone to alexandrites from classic localities places this Brazilian stone in a distinct category. Alexandrites from the Ural region in Russia are traditionally recognized for a deep, bluish green in daylight and a strong red to raspberry red under incandescent light, with a tendency toward a medium dark to dark tone that yields a dramatic and often velvety transition. In contrast, Sri Lankan, historically known as Ceylon, material more commonly exhibits a lighter, brighter green in daylight that can shift to a pinkish purple or reddish purple in warm light, and those stones typically carry a lighter to medium tone with higher brightness. Madagascar and East African sources produce a wide range of tones and shifts, but many specimens from these localities lean toward bluish green daylight hues and medium to medium dark tones with varying degrees of purple to red in incandescent light. This Brazilian alexandrite differs from the Russian archetype by presenting a clearer blue component in its green state and by tending toward a purple rather than a true red in warm light, placing it closer in spirit to some Madagascar and Sri Lankan examples while retaining a vividness in saturation that is notable for its class.

The hue and tone of this gem are best contextualized by direct visual comparison to other well known gemstones from famous locations outside the alexandrite family. A Colombian emerald typically displays a pure to bluish green hue with medium dark tone and a saturated yet stable color that does not change with lighting, which contrasts sharply with the dynamic chromic behavior of alexandrite. A Kashmir sapphire is known for a deep, velvety blue with a strong medium dark tone and a soft, diffused appearance, again different from the crisp daylight blue green and the lively purple seen in this Brazilian alexandrite. In practical descriptive terms, the daylight greenish blue of this stone sits cooler and bluer than the classic warm green of Colombian emeralds, and it carries a lighter, more translucent tone than the dense, velvety tone of top grade Kashmir sapphire. Under incandescent light the purple tone is more violet than the true red shift of classic Russian material, and this quality results in a distinctive personality that appeals to collectors who favor lively, cool to mid warm purple hues rather than deep ruby like colors.

From a gemological and setting standpoint the mixed brilliant cut and excellent polish enhance both the color change and the perceived clarity of the piece, producing a face up presentation that is lively and well proportioned for personal wear. At 1.13 carat and with the measured dimensions, the oval profile is well suited to a variety of mounting styles, and the moderate depth of 3.67 mm preserves a bright face up appearance while enabling a secure setting girdle. The very slightly included clarity rating evaluated at eye level indicates that the stone is visually clean for everyday viewing, while still retaining natural internal features that confirm its natural origin. As an untreated Brazilian alexandrite with vivid color intensity and no enhancements, this gem offers a distinct color change character that differs from classic Russian and Sri Lankan examples, and The Natural Gemstone Company can provide additional images under multiple lighting conditions and further documentation on request, along with guidance on setting and long term care.