One of the most misunderstood descriptions of Alexandrite is “emerald by day, and ruby by night.” On the surface, a new gem enthusiast might believe that the ideal Alexandrite should turn into pure ruby red. This belief needs to be addressed directly.

Our company, Rare Gem, has been specializing exclusively in Alexandrite since 2015. In over a decade of focused acquisition and research, we have yet to see a single Alexandrite that transforms into true ruby red. Most Alexandrites, even when a lab report states “red,” show a reddish-brown hue in reality. Around 5 to 10 percent might display purplish-red or reddish-purple, but never a vivid ruby-like red.

Even GIA says it turns red on their website description below!

https://www.gia.edu/gem-encyclopedia‍¹

Red versus Purple: What’s the Difference?

This confusion usually comes down to two factors: lighting and color terminology. Red is a primary color. Purple, on the other hand, is a mixture of red and blue. In the case of Alexandrite, the color shift under warm light is influenced by the gem’s composition, especially trace elements and how it absorbs light. By the mere fact that alexandrite jumps across the color wheel is enough to prove that it is uncommon to ever see it display one pure color when it changes.

Most quality Alexandrites, especially those from Brazil, have a bluish-green daylight hue. That blue component in daylight often leads to a purplish outcome under incandescent or LED lighting, rather than a true red. The stronger the blue in daylight, the more likely the stone shifts toward purple and not red.

Even when it comes to Rubies. Many rubies in the market will have more pink than red, or more purple than red. These colors are closer to Alexandrite in reality!

Why Lab Reports Still Say “Red”

Many local and regional labs will add “red” due to the marketing aspect of the lab report. Since consumers have been taught that Alexandrite turns red, the labs will arbitrarily add this adjective to the color description on the report. However, in many cases, their descriptions are not what the human eye sees. A color described as “red” on paper may appear more purple, brownish, or dull in real life.

This is why it’s critical for buyers—whether private clients, retailers, or dealers—to not rely solely on the report. Always view the stone under both daylight and incandescent lighting yourself before making a decision.

The Reality Check for Collectors and Investors

The expectation of ruby red in Alexandrite is both unrealistic and misleading. The true measure of an Alexandrite’s value lies in:

1. The strength and sharpness of the color change (complete and dramatic change is rare)

2. Clarity and size

3. Color tone and saturation

4. Origin (Brazil and Russia are most desirable)

Even in the best stones we have seen—often from Brazil or historic Russian sources—the incandescent color is almost always in the purplish-red family, never pure red.

Key Takeaway for Alexandrite Buyers

If you are searching for an Alexandrite that turns red, you may be chasing a myth. Instead, focus on stones with high color change and strong saturation. Alexandrites that shift cleanly from green or bluish-green to purplish-red are already among the rarest gemstones in the world.

At Rare Gem, we are committed to giving clients honest expectations and top-tier gems, supported by transparent sourcing and dual lab reports whenever possible.

Learn more at: https://www.raregemcollection.com/alexandrite-guide

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