Alexandrite Stone Quality
According to Gem Experts, the primary factor for a Chrysoberyl to consider Alexandrite includes the brilliant color-change effect or the Alexandrite effect. However, there are other quality factors that determine the quality of this gemstone and based on these parameters, the value, quality, and authenticity of the gemstone can be evaluated. The parameters include:
Origin
- Alexandrite deposits in the Ural region in Russia were the only source for large and exceptional quality Alexandrites for quite a long time. Russia, being the first source of finest and best quality Alexandrite, produced highly valuable Alexandrites in the market. Good specimens of original Alexandrite stone are also found in India, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Tanzania, Madagascar, and Myanmar (Burma). The Indian and Brazilian Alexandrite is the second most sought-after variety and it is relatively less expensive than Russian Alexandrite.
Color
- Often described as ‘Emerald’ by day and ‘Ruby’ by night, the color-changing phenomenon seen in Alexandrite is known as the ‘Alexandrite effect’. The color-change effect is such that it exhibits blue-green color under natural daylight and red/purplish-red or brownish-red color under artificial yellow light. The intensity of the color-changing effect determines Alexandrite stone price and quality. The higher the intensity and color consistency, the more valuable Alexandrite. The Sri Lankan Alexandrite displays low color consistency as compared to Russian Alexandrite.
Clarity
- Alexandrite is a transparent, Type II clarity gemstone that displays visible flaws and inclusions. The inclusions in Alexandrite occur in the form of fingerprints, hollow tubes, rutile, and multi-phase inclusions. If these inclusions are present and clearly visible to the eye, then it can drastically affect the Alexandrite quality. Faceted Alexandrite gemstones with commendable transparency and minimum eye-visible flaws are rare to find and the cost for such fine pieces of Alexandrite increases. Some specimens of Alexandrite create chatoyancy or cat’s eye effect, increasing the Alexandrite stone price.
Cut
- Alexandrite is commonly fashioned into mixed cuts which include brilliant-cut crowns and step-cut pavilions. Due to its rarity, Alexandrite is faceted into kite shape, triangular shape whereas some specimens have concentric rows of parallel facets. Although it becomes challenging for gem cutters to give Alexandrite a perfect cut in order to show the strongest color-change effect.
Carat Weight
- An excellent quality Alexandrite stone that is over one carat is extremely rare and is highly-priced. In the jewelry industry, jewelers prefer Alexandrite that is small in size and less in weight.
Alexandrite Stone Price
The Alexandrite stone price per carat varies depending on the origin, color, clarity, cut, shape, size, luster, inclusions, and certificate it carries. Based on the mentioned quality combination the price of Alexandrite stone can start from INR 35,000 ($480) per carat to INR 6,00,000 ($8280) per carat and even more. Its splendid beauty, outstanding luster, loupe-clean clarity, and exceptional color-change effect makes this beautiful and charming gemstone a perfect choice for all.
One can purchase authentic alexandrite stone and natural Alexandrite stone from trusted sources. GemPundit provides 100% natural, authentic, unheated, and untreated Alexandrite gemstones for both astrological and jewelry purposes. Shop original and loose Alexandrite Stone available online for sale with industry-wide known Gem Certificate at the best price.