Discovered in the Ural Mountains, Russia in 1830, the rare Alexandrite is a gemstone with very high appeal and high prices.   Recently Alexandrites have been found in Sri Lanka, East Africa and Brazil.  A fine quality Alexandrite with excellent color change can go as high as $45,000 per carat.  There is also a cabochon cut cat's eye Alexandrite, that is a prized gemstone.

Alexandrite is a very unique gemstone that is very durable in jewelry as it is 8 1/2 on the Mohs scale for hardness.