The worth of a 1 carat alexandrite varies depending on a few factors, including the stone’s origin, cut, clarity, color and carat weight. Natural alexandrite typically ranges between $300 and $3000 per carat, with stones of exceptional quality fetching over $20,000 per carat.
untreated Russian alexandrite is the most sought-after and valuable, however, alexandrite from Sri Lanka can also be quite pricey. Because of its color changing ability, alexandrite with a higher clarity and color saturation will fetch a higher price.
The color changing from bluish green in daylight to purplish red in artificial light should be distinct to yield a higher worth. Additionally, the size of the stone will also contribute to the worth; the larger the carat weight, the more it will cost.
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What color of alexandrite is the most expensive?
The most expensive color of alexandrite is a rich vivid green. It is valued for its powerful color change hues, ranging from a cheerful lime green in daylight to a deep, purplish-red in incandescent light.
This exquisite gemstone also exhibits secondary hues of yellow, pink, blue and orange. Color shifts are most remarkable when the gem is cut with the table facet parallel to the long axis of the crystal, allowing the individual color zones to be appreciated.
Alexandrite of fine color and clarity is extremely rare and therefore very expensive.
Is alexandrite more expensive than diamonds?
The value of alexandrite varies widely and depends on factors such as color, cut, clarity, and carat weight of the gem. Generally speaking, alexandrite can often cost more than diamonds when it is of high quality and carries a larger carat weight.
High quality alexandrite of even a few carats can easily sell for thousands of dollars whereas high quality diamonds are much more plentiful and generally therefore less expensive. However, diamonds, especially high quality ones, can often be much more expensive than alexandrite if they are very large, rare, or have a unique shape.
In short, the value of each depends on many factors, but generally alexandrite can easily be more expensive than diamonds.
Does alexandrite hold value?
Yes, alexandrite holds value, often being seen as a valuable gemstone. It is an extremely rare variety of chrysoberyl and predominantly holds value due to its strong characteristic of color change. The rarity of alexandrite stems from its geographic distinctiveness.
It is found in only certain parts of the world, primarily Sri Lanka, Brazil, Tanzania, and Russia. The color of alexandrite can range from a greenish-blue in daylight to a red-violet color in incandescent light.
Therefore, depending on the intensity and quality of color change, an alexandrite can be quite valuable. Additionally, its relative rarity, durability (hardness of 8. 5 on the Mohs scale), and optical properties attribute to its value.
Is lab created Alexandrite worth anything?
Lab created Alexandrite can be worth something depending on a variety of factors. Alexandrite is a rare gemstone, so the price of a lab created version is often much lower than a natural stone, as it has been less expensive to produce.
The size, cut, clarity, and color are also important factors that determine the value of a lab created Alexandrite, much like a natural stone. For example, a lab created Alexandrite that is exceptionally clear and has a good cut could potentially have a higher value than one that has visible flaws.
However, lab created Alexandrite, though not as valuable as its natural counterpart, is still desirable, with some varieties having a beautiful color-change effect. In general, the value of lab created Alexandrite is dependent on the characteristics of the stone, and if you are looking for an affordable stone with the qualities of a natural Alexandrite, lab created may be a good choice.
How can I tell if my alexandrite is real?
The best way to tell if an alexandrite is real is to look for a few key characteristics. First, check for the color change effect: real alexandrite will typically change from a shade of green to a shade of red when it is exposed to different light sources.
Second, examine the clarity: real alexandrite will typically have inclusions and flaws that are visible under magnification. Third, look for a gemologist’s certificate from a reputable source. Fourth, ask a gemologist to perform a chemical analysis to determine the composition of the alexandrite.
Finally, have the alexandrite tested with a gem tester, which is designed to measure the thermal conductivity of a stone. If the stone passes all of these tests and checks, it can be reasonably assumed that it is a genuine alexandrite.
What Stone holds its value the best?
Diamonds are renowned for their ability to hold their value and are the most sought-after stones in the world. They are one of the hardest gemstones and can last a lifetime, making them an ideal long-term investment.
Diamonds are also highly sought after in terms of their aesthetic value, making them highly desirable and keeping their prices stable. As an added benefit, diamonds are considered a store of tangible wealth and are not subject to the same level of fluctuation as other investments.
Sapphires, rubies, and emeralds all come a close second as they maintain a strong value over time and can also increase in value over time. These gemstones have unique characteristics and colour which makes them more valuable and desirable, allowing for a more reliable long-term investment.
How rare is an alexandrite?
Alexandrite is considered to be one of the rarest gemstones in the world. Found mainly in Russia and Sri Lanka, alexandrite is a type of chrysoberyl, and its rarity is due to its limited geological occurrence.
Its color can range from yellowish green, bluish green, brownish or reddish. The rarest and most desirable color for alexandrite is a greenish-blue in daylight, and a raspberry red in incandescent light.
When found in high quality, alexandrite can be more expensive than diamonds.
What is the rarest color of alexandrite?
The rarest color of alexandrite is a deep, dark red-purple, known as black alexandrite. This color of alexandrite is rarely seen due to its extreme rarity and the difficulty in locating stones of this hue.
In addition to the black alexandrite, light blue and cobalt blue alexandrite are also considered to be rare and highly sought-after. The most common color seen in alexandrite is a medium green, with secondary blues and purples visible.
Other colors can range from yellow to pink, though red-purples are the least common. The presence of a rare color in an alexandrite can make it especially valuable.
What color is a true alexandrite?
A true alexandrite is a gemstone with a chameleon-like color changing effect, which shifts from a rich green to a deep red with the changing of the light. It is one of the rarest and most valuable of all gemstones.
The best alexandrite is a velvety green in daylight or fluorescent lighting and a deep raspberry red in incandescent or candle-lit. The color shifting effect is caused by a color center in the mineral, which is created by chromium, and when the light is changed, the wavelengths of light reflected by the stone changes due to the electro-magnetic effect.
The rarest true alexandrite of high quality are mined in Sri Lanka, Brazil, and East Africa, and can be very expensive.
Is alexandrite precious or semiprecious?
Alexandrite is a variety of the mineral chrysoberyl and it is considered to be a precious gem. It is known for its remarkable ability to change its color from a variety of green in daylight to a number of different reddish hues under artificial light—hence, it is highly sought-after and admired by gem collectors and enthusiasts.
The Alexandrite itself is often obtained from Russia, Sri Lanka and East Africa and is classified as a Type I gemstone because of its rarity and high value. Its uncommon color change is caused by the presence of trace amounts of iron and chromium, which turns the stone green in daylight and red in artificial light, depending on the amount of iron in the stone.
The higher the iron content, the stronger the red hue will be under artificial light. Prices for Alexandrite can range astronomically depending on the quality, color and cut of the stone, with some pieces selling upwards of hundreds of Thousands of dollars per carat.
