how to spot a real alexandrite
The alexandrite stone is one of the rarest and most beautiful gemstones in existence, adored for its magical color changing phenomenon. Sometimes called “emerald by day and ruby by night,” a natural alexandrite stone changes from green or bluish-green in daylight to red or purplish-red in incandescent light. And because it’s so valuable and scarce, the market is riddled with fraudulent and fake ones. If you’re going to purchase one, you need to know how to tell a real alexandrite stone. 1. Observe the Color Change The most distinctive characteristic of real alexandrite is the dramatic color change. It typically looks green, teal or bluish-green in natural daylight. Under incandescent or candlelight it shifts to red, purplish-red, or violet. A robust and vibrant color shift is a sign of quality. Stones with only a slight color difference may also be genuine but are less valuable. If the stone doesn’t shift colors at all then it’s probably a counterfeit or some other gem marketed as ale...