Alexandrite Gemstone Meaning, Color Change & Good Fortune

Rare colour-change alexandrite gemstone often chosen for good fortune, emotional balance and elegant statement jewelry.

Colour-Change Magic

Alexandrite is the rare colour-change variety of the mineral chrysoberyl, famous for shifting from greenish hues in daylight to reddish or purplish tones under warm indoor light. This dramatic change has made it one of the most coveted and symbolic gemstones in modern jewellery. With a Mohs hardness of around 8.5, alexandrite is well suited to special-occasion rings, pendants and heirloom pieces when set and cared for thoughtfully. Energetically, many people treat it as a stone of adaptability, celebration and aligned good fortune—especially during chapters of significant change.

ringsengagementanniversaryfine-jewellerymilestone

Alexandrite was first identified in the 19th century in Russia's Ural Mountains, where its unusual colour change quickly captured attention. Because its green-and-red palette echoed the colours of the imperial military, it became linked with Russian royalty and celebration. Today, alexandrite is also mined in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Madagascar and other chrysoberyl-bearing regions, with each locality producing slightly different shades and inclusion patterns. Natural colour-change material remains scarce and valuable, while carefully grown laboratory alexandrite offers a more accessible way to enjoy the effect. In contemporary crystal work and jewellery symbolism, alexandrite is often associated with embracing change, trusting one's inner timing and allowing joy and good fortune to be part of the story—not its only measure.

Alexandrite is a variety of chrysoberyl, a hard aluminium oxide mineral that also includes cat's-eye and yellow-green gemstones.

ChrysoberylDurable

Trace elements and the balance of daylight versus warm light create alexandrite's famous green-to-raspberry shift.

Colour changeOptical

Historically linked with celebration, rarity and royal jewellery, alexandrite is now also seen as a symbol of transformation and resilient joy.

CelebrationTransformation

RURussia (Ural Mountains)20%BRBrazil30%LKSri Lanka20%MGMadagascar15%OTHEROther regions15%

Color

Green in daylight to reddish or purplish under warm light

Hardness

8.5

Mohs Scale (approx. 8.5)

Family

Chrysoberyl (colour-change variety)

Formation

Forms in aluminium-rich pegmatites and metamorphic rocks under specific conditions

Hardness: 8.5 on the Mohs scale
Luster: Vitreous with bright brilliance when faceted
Transparency: Transparent to translucent, sometimes with visible inclusions
Mineral family: Chrysoberyl variety (colour-change)
Treatment: Natural stones may be heat-treated to improve colour and clarity, lab-grown alexandrite is also widely available; reputable sellers label origin and treatments clearly

Wealth

Luck

Optimism

Transformation

Self-love

heart

Linked to giving and receiving love, emotional healing and gentle, open-hearted energy.

Center of chestGreen / Pink

third_eye

Linked to intuition, inner vision and seeing situations with more clarity.

Between the eyebrowsIndigo

Many people like to wear alexandrite near the heart and third-eye areas—as pendants or rings—when they want to honour both intuition and emotion during times of change. Always choose placements and wear-time that feel comfortable for your body and lifestyle.

Zodiac Signs

Gemini

May 21 – Jun 20

Light, flexible energy that loves conversation, variety and learning through people.

Cancer

Jun 21 – Jul 22

Soft, protective energy that values emotional safety, family and cosy spaces.

✶ Birthstone

Birthstone

Wealth & Abundance

Open up to steady, sustainable abundance.

95%

Good Luck

A little extra light on your path.

90%

Optimism & Positivity

A reminder to look for light.

88%

Transformation & Personal Growth

Support big inner shifts over time.

85%

Self-love & Acceptance

Come home to your own worth.

82%

Wealth & Abundance

For money mindset work, calling in new income streams and feeling more supported by resources

Good Luck

For interviews, launches, first dates and those days when you want a bit more serendipity

Optimism & Positivity

For shifting out of heavy moods, supporting gratitude practices and warming the overall vibe

Transformation & Personal Growth

For therapy, coaching and life phases where you know you are not who you used to be anymore.

Self-love & Acceptance

For rebuilding self-esteem, softening self-criticism and feeling more at ease in your own skin

Crystal work is a supportive ritual and symbolic practice, not a substitute for professional medical or mental health care. Always seek qualified support for any physical or emotional health concerns.

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Wear alexandrite to mark personal milestones like anniversaries, graduations or new chapters

•

Let a ring or pendant remind you of a promise or value you are choosing to honour

•

Pair it with moments of reflection about how far you have already come

•

Keep the stone nearby when journaling about life changes and next steps

•

Hold it briefly when you need to shift perspective between different roles or moods

•

Use it as a cue to ask, "What is one small adjustment that would make this feel kinder?"

•

Choose alexandrite for occasions when you want to intentionally celebrate yourself

•

Let it remind you to notice small moments of beauty or luck during your day

•

Pair it with gratitude rituals, such as writing down three things that felt good today

Let alexandrite remind you that different feelings can coexist—like excitement and nervousness—without cancelling each other out.

Use the stone as a cue to acknowledge small steps forward, not only the big headline moments.

Physical Care

Wipe jewellery with a soft, lint-free cloth after wear

Use mild soap and lukewarm water for occasional cleaning if the setting is suitable

Store pieces in padded compartments to protect both stone and metal

Avoid hard blows that could chip facets or stress settings

Avoid harsh chemicals such as bleach or strong household cleaners

Avoid sudden temperature changes or steam cleaners unless a jeweller approves

Keep alexandrite separate from softer stones that it could scratch

Use lined boxes or soft pouches when jewellery is not being worn

Energetic Cleansing Methods

Waft gentle incense or herbal smoke around the stone while you imagine old stories and stagnant energy clearing away.

Keep rooms ventilated and sessions short if you are sensitive to smoke.

Use calm music, chimes or a singing bowl to symbolically refresh both your space and the stone.

Safe for alexandrite; no direct contact required.

If your jeweller confirms your setting is secure, you can briefly rinse jewellery under lukewarm water and dry it carefully.

Avoid long soaking, very hot water and strong detergents; always follow the care advice provided with your jewellery.

Place alexandrite where it can catch gentle evening or moonlight indoors as a calm way to reset its symbolism.

Avoid leaving jewellery outside where weather could affect metal settings.

!

Check Settings & Treatments: Whether natural or lab-grown, alexandrite jewellery still depends on secure settings. When in doubt, choose the gentlest cleaning methods or consult a professional jeweller.

1

Cleanse Lightly

Refresh the stone using one simple physical or energetic method.

2

Name a Transition

Choose one area of life where you are moving from one chapter into another.

3

Hold & Reflect

Hold the stone and picture yourself navigating this change with steadiness and joy.

4

Wear with Intention

Wear or place alexandrite where it can quietly remind you of your chosen perspective.

Pro Tip:Let charging time be a moment to take one small, concrete action—such as updating a plan, writing a message or scheduling rest—so your intentions around change turn into gentle, real-world steps.

How to work with this crystal

Alexandrite is the famous colour-change variety of chrysoberyl, shifting from greenish tones in daylight to raspberry or purplish shades under warm indoor light.
First discovered in Russia's Ural Mountains and now also sourced from Brazil, Sri Lanka and Madagascar, it has become a symbol of rarity and celebration.
With a hardness around 8.5 on the Mohs scale, alexandrite is well suited to fine jewelry pieces that mark special milestones and moments of transformation.

Care & Handling ›

Keep each piece in its own soft pouch or box compartment so chains and stones do not rub or tangle.
Avoid keeping jewelry in bathrooms or other humid spots; store in a dry, cool place away from direct heat.
After each wear, gently wipe jewelry with a soft, dry cloth before putting it back into storage.
Take jewelry off for sports, workouts, heavy lifting and housework to avoid dents, chips and deformation.
Do not leave jewelry in hot cars, near windows or heaters for long periods; store in a cool, shaded place.
For water-safe jewelry, soak briefly in lukewarm water with mild soap, brush softly, then rinse and dry thoroughly.

Which areas of my life are asking me to adapt and stay flexible right now? What would it look like to celebrate my progress rather than only focusing on what is missing? When do I feel most connected to my intuition, and how can I invite more of those moments? How do I currently show myself that I am worthy of beautiful, meaningful things?

I allow myself to celebrate change as a sign of growth, not instability. My heart can hold many colours of emotion and still stay centred. I welcome aligned opportunities and good fortune into my life. I deserve jewelry and rituals that honour my story and my worth.

Amethyst

Clear quartz

Rose quartz

Crystals are a supportive ritual, not a substitute for professional medical or mental health care. Always listen to your own boundaries and work with gemstones as gentle reminders rather than promises of specific results.

Is alexandrite suitable for everyday wear? ›

With a hardness around 8.5 on the Mohs scale, alexandrite is generally suitable for everyday pendants and earrings.
Rings can also be worn regularly as long as you avoid hard knocks, abrasive surfaces and heavy manual work.
Taking your alexandrite pieces off before workouts, cleaning or DIY projects will help keep them looking bright for longer.

Can alexandrite go in water? ›

Brief contact with clean, lukewarm water is usually fine for alexandrite.
Avoid long soaks in hot tubs, chlorinated pools or salt water, as they can dull the surface or affect settings over time.
After any quick rinse, dry the jewelry thoroughly with a soft cloth before storing or wearing it again.

Which zodiac signs is alexandrite best for? ›

There isn't one single zodiac sign that 'owns' alexandrite, and it can be used by people of any sign.
Many people choose it for themes like Emotional Balance & Adaptability, Joy, Celebration & Light-Heartedness and Intuition & Inner Vision.
If its look and story resonate with you, it's a good match regardless of your chart.

What intentions is alexandrite most often used for? ›

People often choose alexandrite to support Emotional Balance & Adaptability, Joy, Celebration & Light-Heartedness and Intuition & Inner Vision.
You can incorporate it into simple rituals like holding a stone while you set intentions, meditating with it nearby, or keeping it on your desk or bedside.
Treat it as a supportive symbol and reminder, not a guarantee of specific outcomes.

How do I cleanse and recharge alexandrite? ›

Gentle methods work well for alexandrite: smoke cleansing, breath, sound, or placing it on a piece of selenite for a few hours.
You can also set your intention silently while holding the stone, imagining any heavy energy rinsing away.
Avoid harsh chemical cleaners or very strong midday sunlight for long periods, as those can affect the colour or surface over time.

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Alexandrite Crystal Meaning & Properties

A Brief Introduction

Origin & History

Major Deposits Worldwide

Physical Properties

Alexandrite Meaning & Symbolism

Chakras & Zodiac Correspondences

Modern Energetic Themes