Alexandrite Price Calculator

Estimate alexandrite values based on color change intensity, origin, carat weight, and clarity for the world's most prized color-change gemstone.

Alexandrite Price Estimator

Calculate estimated value based on key characteristics and origin.

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Natural vs. Lab-Created Comparison

Compare costs between natural and lab-created alexandrite.

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Origin Price Comparison

Compare alexandrite prices across different origins at the same quality.

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Formula

Price = Base/ct x Origin Mult x Color Change Mult x Clarity Mult x Carat^1.25 | Natural/Lab Ratio typically 50:1 to 200:1

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is alexandrite worth per carat?
Natural alexandrite ranges from $5,000-$15,000/ct for good quality to $50,000-$70,000+ per carat for fine Russian stones with strong color change. Lab-created versions are available for $50-$500/ct.
What makes alexandrite so expensive?
Extreme geological rarity requiring specific conditions including chromium and beryllium. The original Russian deposit is nearly depleted, and new sources produce limited quantities.
How do I verify if alexandrite is natural?
Verification requires gemological testing for natural inclusions, spectroscopic signature, and pleochroism patterns. Always request a certificate from GIA, GRS, or Gubelin for stones valued over $1,000.

Understanding Alexandrite Values

Alexandrite is often called the most remarkable gemstone in the world, prized for its extraordinary color-change phenomenon. In daylight, fine alexandrite appears vivid green; under incandescent light, it transforms to vivid red or purplish-red. This dramatic shift, caused by the way chromium atoms absorb light, makes alexandrite one of the rarest and most valuable colored gemstones on Earth.

Origin and Its Impact on Value

Russian alexandrite from the Ural Mountains, where the stone was first discovered in 1830, commands the highest prices. These stones display the classic green-to-red change considered the benchmark for the species. Brazilian alexandrite, discovered in the 1980s, offers strong color change at somewhat lower prices. Sri Lankan stones tend toward olive green and brownish-red, while African sources provide more affordable options.

The color-change phenomenon is the single most important value factor. Stones showing a complete shift from pure green to pure red command exponential premiums over those with partial or muddy color change. A 1-carat alexandrite with strong color change can be worth 5-10 times more than a similar-sized stone with weak color change, making this characteristic far more significant than clarity or cut in determining value.

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