Untreated Alexandrite Gemstones

Finding completely natural, untreated alexandrite in today’s market is exceptionally rare, particularly in sizes above one carat with good clarity and strong color change. Unlike many gemstones commonly subjected to treatments, high-quality alexandrite is generally too valuable to risk damaging through enhancement procedures. Industry experts estimate that less than 10% of all commercially available color-change gems are both genuine alexandrite and completely untreated. This rarity directly impacts the price of pure specimens, making certification confirming their natural state essential for serious collectors seeking authentic stones.

Advanced laboratory tests that confirm alexandrite is free from enhancement include spectroscopic analysis to detect chemical signatures associated with treatments, microscopic examination under various lighting conditions to identify signs of heat treatment, and infrared spectroscopy to detect fillers or coatings. GIA certified reports specifically note whether a stone shows evidence of treatment, providing buyers with confidence. Reputable laboratories also employ UV-visible light testing to examine how the stone interacts with different wavelengths, helping distinguish natural color from artificially induced color.

Collectors prize untreated alexandrite over heat-treated specimens because natural stones represent the genuine article as formed in the earth over millions of years. Untreated alexandrites typically command 50-100% higher prices than treated stones of similar size due to their superior investment potential and value retention. The natural color-change phenomenon in untreated alexandrite is considered more aesthetically pleasing with smoother transitions between hues. For serious collectors, owning an untreated alexandrite represents acquiring a rare geological marvel in its original state, with its worth enhanced by its unaltered purity.

The average buyer cannot reliably detect treatments in color-change chrysoberyl without specialized equipment and training. Most enhancements are designed to be invisible to the naked eye, requiring advanced gemological tools like microscopes with specific lighting conditions and spectroscopes to identify. This is why purchasing from reputable dealers who provide detailed certification from recognized laboratories is crucial when buying alexandrite. For high-value acquisitions, investing in a comprehensive GIA certified report is essential, as it will specifically document whether the stone shows evidence of treatment.