Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
orthorhombicrareOxides
Alexandrite
BeAl2O4
Alexandrite is a rare, color-changing variety of chrysoberyl, appearing green in daylight and red or purplish-red under incandescent light. The image displays a faceted, transparent gemstone.
Alexandrite Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
8.5Crystal System
orthorhombicLuster
vitreousStreak Color
whiteCleavage
distinct on {110}, poor on {010} and {100}Fracture
conchoidal to unevenSpecific Gravity
3.75Colors
green, blue-green, red, purplish-redTransparency
transparentType Locality
Carnaiba Mine, Pindobaçu, Campo Formoso District, Bahia, BrazilMineral Group
OxidesUses
jewelry, gemstone, collector's itemAssociated Minerals
quartz, feldspar, mica, beryl, garnetRarity
rareGeological Context
It typically forms in beryllium-rich pegmatites and mica schists, often resulting from metasomatic processes or regional metamorphism in specific geological environments.
