What makes alexandrite so expensive?
Alexandrite is that variety of chrysoberyl that can exhibit a color change due to the light source under which the stone is being observed. Chrysoberyl is already a rare gemstone found sparingly in a few localities around the world. When we consider that the percentage of chrysoberyl that actually shows a color change is always very small regardless of the deposit, we begin to realize just how small the chance of finding alexandrite is at all. With a hardness of 8.5, alexandrite is an ideal gemstone, not only rare and beautiful but also hard and tough enough to be easily set and used in any kind of jewelry. Its historical association with the last of the Russian Tsars has created a great deal of interest and allure and everybody with even a passing interest in gemstones seems to know something about alexandrite and its unique history insuring a strong demand for alexandrites regardless of origin.
