This 0.945 ct Russian alexandrite from the Malysheva mine in the Ural Mountains carries a tiny piece of its own birthplace inside. Near the center of the stone sit dark flakes of mica, fragments of the Ural mica schist in which alexandrite and Russian emerald grew side by side. They are a natural signature that ties the gem directly to the historic emerald mines where alexandrite was first discovered. Collectors prize such inclusions as a visible record of origin, impossible to imitate and a clear sign of an untreated natural crystal. In daylight the stone shows a soft, cool teal-green with a misty grey depth. Under incandescent light it turns to a gentle light pinkish-violet, a clear and natural color change that reveals its alexandrite nature in every setting. The crystal is translucent rather than transparent, with fine silky veils that give the color a soft, matte glow. The pear is Russian cut, measuring 7.00 × 4.90 × 3.80 mm, with a deep pavilion that holds the color through both phases of the change. In person it is calm and understated by day, warming noticeably in the evening as the violet emerges. It is natural and untreated, confirmed by the Marianovich Gems Certificate of Authenticity. Just under a carat of authentic Ural alexandrite with a visible color change and a characteristic mica inclusion make this a meaningful natural gemstone for the collector who values provenance, and a lovely choice for a pendant or drop earrings.
