Alexite gemstones exhibit a splendid color-change effect, shifting from shades of blue, purple, green and orange under various light sources.
Alexite is a synthetic gemstone containing rare earth minerals, modeled after alexandrite, a color-change variety of chrysoberyl. This natural color-change effect makes Alexandrite particularly rare and expensive, with values comparable to emeralds, rubies or sapphires. While Alexandrite may present itself in bright green, red and orange-yellow shades, Alexite has two varieties. Autumn alexite ranges from green to dusty orange, like the turning of the foliage in fall. Lavender alexite ranges from beautiful tanzanite blue to deep lavender under artificial light. When viewed outdoors, it appears nearly pink. The color spreads throughout and maintains consistent brilliance. Its hardness and durability guards against chipping typically found with other stones. Although synthetic alexandrite is widely used for jewelry, it is predominantly used in high-powered alexandrite laser systems developed for military and government applications.
LOCATION: India
Alexite, or synthetic alexandrite, has been on the market since the 1800s. Initial offerings were creating by synthesizing corundum laced with vanadium to achieve the color-change effect. However, this version was easily identified by gemologists as a copy. By 1975, the current synthetic alexandrite method using a flux-melt, pulled crystal process became the preferred method. Flux grown synthetic alexandrite is a slower process and more closely resembles natural alexandrite in physical and chemical composition. Alexite is not only more affordable than natural alexandrite, but it is available in a variety of calibrated sizes and shapes unattainable in natural stones.
Alexite is a registered trademark for this synthetic color-change glass gemstone manufactured in India. Few companies in the United States have earned the rights to sell alexite, and we are one of them.