Alexandrite and amethyst are the birthstones for June and February respectively, which have their own unique colors and characteristics; Alexandrite changes color with different light, while amethyst color does not change, but the color is very romantic. Alexandrite and amethyst ring is also a very popular choice of gemstone rings. The color difference between the two gemstones is not much, so in this article we compare alexandrite vs amethyst side by side.
Table of Contents
What is Alexandrite and Amethyst?
Alexandrite is a rare gemstone known for its unique color-changing property, appearing green in daylight and reddish-purple under uv light. It belongs to the chrysoberyl family and is highly valued for its rarity and optical phenomena.
Amethyst, a variety of quartz but also a crystal, is recognized for its stunning purple hues. It is widely available and more affordable than Alexandrite. Amethyst looks like a deep violet to pale lavender gemstone, often associated with tranquility and spiritual growth.
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Alexandrite vs Amethyst in Origin, History and Composition
Alexandrite was first discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia in the 1830s, when the Russian Tsar Alexander II was crowned. It was named “Alexandrite”. Alexandrite is a beryllium aluminum oxide (chemical formula: BeAl₂O₄) belonging to the chrysoberyl family. Due to its unique color-changing properties(sometimes blue Alexandrite and sometimes purple Alexandrite), Alexandrite quickly became one of the most valuable gemstones. In recent years, the Russian mines have gradually dried up, and then found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Tanzania, but the color change is usually not as strong as the classic Russian Alexandrite.
Amethyst, a variation of quartz known for its purple hue which ingredient is silicon dioxide, is one of the most widely used gemstones in the world. Historically, amethyst was considered a royal gemstone and was once as expensive as diamond. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed it prevented drunkenness, hence the name “Amethyst” which comes from the Greek word for “no drunkenness.” The main sources of amethyst include Brazil, Uruguay, Madagascar and South Africa, with Brazil being the most important supplier, particularly known for its large and high-quality crystals. Modern amethyst crystal is affordable due to its abundance, but is still widely used in designer jewelry.
Alexandrite vs Amethyst in Visual Appearance and Color
In natural daylight, alexandrite usually appears green, bluish-green, or with a yellow-green hue. Under incandescent light or candlelight, alexandrite changes color to purple, red, or purplish-red. Fine-quality alexandrite is extremely transparent and beautifully cut to maximize its color-changing effect. Due to its extremely high refractive index, alexandrite often appears very bright and dazzling in light.
Unlike alexandrite, amethyst does not change color significantly under different light sources. Different kinds of amethyst may vary slightly in quality and color. The colour of amethyst gemstone ranges from light purple to dark purple, with high-quality amethyst typically having a rich, uniform purple colour. Some amethysts may have a faint red or blue tint to make them appear richer.
Alexandrite vs Amethyst in Durability and Hardness
Alexandrite has a Mohs hardness of 8.5, just behind ruby, sapphire (9) and diamond (10). Alexandrite also has high toughness and wear resistance, and is not easily cracked by minor impacts. This high hardness and toughness make Alexandrite very scratch-resistant, making it suitable for everyday jewelry such as rings and bracelets.
Amethyst has a Mohs hardness of 7, which is lower than alexandrite. It has medium toughness. Although it is not easy to break, it may crack or break under strong impact. Amethyst may leave scratches when it comes into contact with harder materials (such as diamond or chrysoberyl).
Alexandrite vs Amethyst in Value and Rarity
Alexandrite is more expensive because it is an extremely rare gemstone with unique color-changing properties and rarity. High-quality alexandrite can cost tens of thousands of dollars per carat, especially high-quality alexandrite from Russia is more expensive. Its value is determined not only by the intensity of the color change, but also by size, cut and clarity. The price of large-grained alexandrite with obvious color changes is much higher than that of small-grained alexandrite or alexandrite with no obvious color difference.
Because it is relatively common and its resources are not scarce, the value of amethyst is relatively low, usually between a few dollars and tens of dollars per carat. Even high-quality amethyst is much cheaper than ordinary quality alexandrite. The romantic color and low price of amethyst make it widely used in various jewelry designs, including daily wear and fashion accessories.
Alexandrite vs Amethyst in Spiritual and Cultural Significance
Spiritually, alexandrite is seen as a symbol of balance and transformation, representing growth and change within the individual. Its color-changing effects suggest adaptability and the ability to transform inner strength. It is said to enhance intuition and help people better understand complex emotions and situations.
Culturally, alexandrite in the Russian era was called the “Tsar’s Stone,” symbolizing nobility, authority, and luck. Modern alexandrite is one of the June birthstones, symbolizing hope and good luck.
Spiritually, amethyst’s tranquil purple hue is believed to calm the mind and relieve stress. Amethyst symbolizes enhancing one’s wisdom and intuition, helping people think clearly.
Culturally, amethyst symbolizes “intoxication” in ancient Greece and Christianity, as well as humility and spirituality. Modern amethyst is the birthstone for February, symbolizing honesty, tranquility, and loyalty.
Conclusion
Alexandrite and amethyst are both very attractive gemstones with brilliant colors. This article also compares the two different gemstones in depth. Alexandrite rings and amethyst rings are very popular choices for engagement rings and wedding rings. If you want to choose a gemstone ring, Amandafinejewelry provides you with the best service and the highest quality rings.
FAQs About Alexandrite vs Amethyst
How valuable are amethysts? How much are amethyst worth?
Amethysts are relatively affordable compared to other gemstones. The price per carat of amethyst typically ranges from $10 to $40, depending on quality, color, and size. High-quality amethysts with deep purple hues can be worth more, while lighter-colored stones are generally less expensive.
Where are amethysts found? What colour is amethyst stone?
Amethysts are found in several countries, including Brazil, Uruguay, Zambia, Madagascar, and Russia. Brazil is the largest producer of high-quality amethysts. Amethyst stones are typically purple, ranging from pale lilac to deep violet. The most valuable amethysts have a rich, vibrant purple with hints of red or blue.
How to know if amethyst is real? What does fake amethyst look like? How to identify amethyst?
To know if amethyst is real, check for a rich purple color, often with red or blue hues. Real amethyst has a Mohs hardness of 7, so it’s scratch-resistant. Fake amethyst rings often look too clear or uniform in color, with no natural inclusions. They may feel lighter and are often made from glass or plastic. Inspect the weight and texture—real amethyst feels heavier and has a more natural, slightly imperfect look.
