Cushion Shape Alexandrite 1.01 | The Rare Gem

This 1.01 carat natural Alexandrite displays the remarkable color change that makes this gemstone one of the rarest members of the chrysoberyl family. In daylight the stone presents a cool green tone, while under incandescent light it shifts to a rich purple. This dramatic optical transformation is caused by trace amounts of chromium within the crystal structure, a geological condition that occurs only under very specific circumstances. Alexandrite is rare because it requires an unusual combination of elements to form. Beryllium is needed to create chrysoberyl, yet chromium must also be present to produce the color change. These elements rarely occur together in the same geological environment. Even when Alexandrite forms, most crystals remain small, included, or unsuitable for cutting. Clean stones with a visible color change are uncommon, and stones around the one carat range already fall into a more limited supply. This cushion cut example shows excellent transparency and balanced proportions that allow the color change to be seen clearly across the stone. A subtle natural inclusion is visible near the edge, a typical characteristic that confirms the stone’s natural origin and geological growth. The accompanying GIA report lists the geographic origin as “Russia,” though the defining feature of this gem is not where it formed (as this is always an opinion by a lab), but the rare color changing phenomenon itself. Alexandrite continues to be valued by collectors because it combines scientific rarity with one of the most captivating optical effects found in the gemstone world.