4.25 Ct. Cabochon Alexandrite from Russia

Offered by The Natural Gemstone Company, this item is a translucent 4.25 carat oval alexandrite measuring 13.04 x 7.85 x 4.12 millimeters, the stone is fashioned as a cabochon with a smooth domed profile and an oval outline, the cabochon form was chosen to maximize the perceptible color change and to present a continuous field of color with minimized light leakage at facet junctions, clarity has been graded as included at eye level with internal characteristics visible to unaided vision, polish has been evaluated as excellent with a high gloss surface finish, color intensity is classified as intense and the specimen exhibits a pronounced color change from a greenish tone under fluorescent lighting to a purplish tone under incandescent lighting, no enhancement has been applied to this material, the origin is Russia, and the gem is an alexandrite variety of chrysoberyl with the characteristic chromium activated color change that collectors and connoisseurs seek.

From a gemological and cutting standpoint the cabochon cut on this alexandrite optimizes the absorption and selective transmission that create the alexandrite effect, the dome height and curvature were executed to balance light diffusion against surface reflection, the oval proportions provide an even visual plane for observing color change across multiple lighting environments, the translucency allows for internal light scattering that enriches body color while still permitting the chromophore induced spectral shift to be clearly observed, the internal inclusions contribute to the stone identity and do not significantly detract from overall visual appeal, the excellent polish reduces light scatter from surface imperfections and enhances saturation and apparent depth, this piece displays the expected refractive behavior for chrysoberyl family material with high relief and sharp color transitions typical of fine alexandrite, the absence of enhancement means the color, clarity, and polish are entirely natural and the cutting choices were made to preserve weight while emphasizing optical performance and wearability.

Durability assessment supports daily wear use in jewelry, alexandrite is a chrysoberyl species with a Mohs hardness of approximately 8.5, a specific gravity near 3.72, and typically very good toughness without true cleavage planes that would predispose it to splitting, the cabochon profile further reduces risk by eliminating sharp facet edges that are vulnerable to chipping during impact, for ring settings and bracelets where contact is most likely a protective bezel or low profile mount will minimize edge exposure and preserve the polished dome, for pendants and earrings standard prong or bezel settings are also well suited, the stone resists abrasion and retains polish under normal wear conditions, care recommendations are conservative to protect internal inclusions which may be stress concentrations under extreme mechanical or thermal shock, routine cleaning with warm water, mild detergent, and a soft brush is effective, professional steam or ultrasonic cleaning can be used when the mounting and visible internal conditions are free from fractures, The Natural Gemstone Company documents the natural origin and lack of enhancement for this alexandrite and can advise on optimal mounting approaches to both showcase the striking green to purple color change and to ensure longevity for everyday jewelry use.