Alexandrite, a color changing gemstone, was first discovered in the Ural mountains of Russia in the 1830's.

The finest material changes color from a ruby red to a emerald green.  Most gemstones show a more subdued color change or display less distinctive colors, typically a greenish blue or yellowish green changing to a purplish red or pinkish red.

Alexandrite deposit have also been found in Sri Lanka and most recently in the Brazilian state of Minas Gerais.

The gemstone is typically heavily included.  Numerous inclusions are generally observed under ten power magnification.   

Large gemstones over 3 carats are rare.  Due to its scarcity and value Alexandrite is typically cut to retain weight.  Well cut gemstones are the exception.      

April 1999 - 6.56 carat cushion cut Alexandrite sold for $20,855 per carat