alexandrite: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare/TechnicalFormal, Technical (Gemology/Jewellery)
Quick answer
What does “alexandrite” mean?
A rare variety of the mineral chrysoberyl that changes colour depending on the light.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rare variety of the mineral chrysoberyl that changes colour depending on the light.
A valuable gemstone prized for its colour-changing properties, typically appearing green in daylight and reddish-purple under incandescent light. It is the birthstone for June.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Connotes luxury, rarity, and specific gemological knowledge equally in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally rare/technical in both regions, encountered in the same specialised contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “alexandrite” in a Sentence
[Noun: alexandrite] + [verb: changes/displays/exhibits] + [colour property][Adjective: rare/large/synthetic] + [Noun: alexandrite]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “alexandrite” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The alexandrite gemstone was the centrepiece of the collection.
American English
- The alexandrite stone in her necklace is spectacular.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in high-end jewellery retail, auction catalogues, and gemstone wholesale.
Academic
Used in geology, mineralogy, and materials science papers.
Everyday
Very rare; only used by individuals discussing fine jewellery or gem collecting.
Technical
Primary domain. Used in gemology for identification, grading (clarity, cut, colour-change effect), and in optics for certain solid-state lasers.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “alexandrite”
- Misspelling as 'alexandrine' (which is a poetic metre) or 'alexandrite' (dropping the 'd').
- Confusing it with other colour-change gems like certain sapphires.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, natural, high-quality alexandrite is one of the most expensive gemstones due to its rarity and unique colour-change effect.
It doesn't have one single colour. Its key feature is colour-change: typically green/bluish-green in daylight and red/purplish-red under incandescent light.
It was first discovered in Russia's Ural Mountains. Today, primary sources include Brazil, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and India.
Yes, synthetic alexandrite has been produced since the 1970s and is common in jewellery. It has the same chemical composition and colour-change property as natural stone.
A rare variety of the mineral chrysoberyl that changes colour depending on the light.
Alexandrite is usually formal, technical (gemology/jewellery) in register.
Alexandrite: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæl.ɪɡˈzæn.draɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæl.ɪɡˈzæn.draɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Alexander' the Great discovering a stone that changes colour like a chameleon, hence ALEX-andrite.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Highly concrete, technical term).
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of alexandrite?