GEM KNOWLEDGE · LABORATORY NOTES
Alexandrite (Zimbabwe)
Color-changing chrysoberyl from Zimbabwe, sharing the Chrysoberyl (Zimbabwe) report.
Sample 1239 · April 26, 2025
What the testing found
The report confirms chrysoberyl with a pronounced color change and chromium dominant over vanadium. The raw material’s color-change behavior was also observed by Soul Body Gems. Minor associated minerals include clinochlore, quartz, albite and phlogopite. The findings refer to these raw specimens; they do not grade the strength of color change in every finished gemstone. Zimbabwe is the supplied sourcing locality.
View the original test results
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Understanding the report figures
Use this guide alongside the written findings and the original report transcript. It explains the purpose of each analytical figure and preserves the laboratory’s own figure labels. The interpretations apply to the tested specimen; signals alone do not establish the identity of every similar-looking stone.
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Electron microscope image: This view shows small-scale regions selected for analysis. Its brightness contrast helps distinguish regions with different compositions; it is not a photograph of their natural colors. Numbered spots connect this view to the analyses listed in the report.
Laboratory figure caption: Fig.2: Backscattered electron image of an area of the specimen in Fig. 1.
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Elemental spectrum: The peaks record characteristic X-ray signals from elements in the analyzed spot or area. This is an analysis of that location, not automatically of the entire specimen. Any mineral identification or uncertainty named in the laboratory caption is retained below.
Laboratory figure caption: Fig. 3: Energy dispersive spectrum of spot 1 in Fig. 2. (chrysoberyl)
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Elemental spectrum: The peaks record characteristic X-ray signals from elements in the analyzed spot or area. This is an analysis of that location, not automatically of the entire specimen. Any mineral identification or uncertainty named in the laboratory caption is retained below.
Laboratory figure caption: Fig. 4: Energy dispersive spectrum of spot 3 in Fig. 2. (chlorite group specied)
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Diffraction scan: This scan helps identify crystalline minerals by comparing the measured pattern with reference patterns. The laboratory interpretation explains which minerals the comparison supports.
Laboratory figure caption: Fig. 5: X-ray diffraction scan of loose pieces after ultrasonic treatment. Note match patterns for chrysoberyl, clinochlore, quartz, albite and phlogopite.
Read the complete report as text
Analytical Result Report
Sample id: 1239 (chrysoberyl)
Submitted by: Soul Body Gems
Date completed: 4-26-2025
Operating conditions: An AMRAY 1830 SEM operated at 25 kV acceleration potential, 24 mm working distance, 0 degrees sample tilt, coated with 250 Å carbon, and also using the attached XRF unit operated at 30 kV.
A Bruker D2 Phaser X-ray diffractommeter was also used and operated at 30 kV and 10 mA.
Fig. 1: Photograph of the specimens. 2.5 cm maximum dimension .
Fig.2: Backscattered electron image of an area of the specimen in Fig. 1.
Fig. 3: Energy dispersive spectrum of spot 1 in Fig. 2. (chrysoberyl)
Fig. 4: Energy dispersive spectrum of spot 3 in Fig. 2. (chlorite group specied)
Table 1: Minor and trace elements in the specimen in wt. %.
Chromium
0.32
Iron
4.21
Manganese
0.02
Titanium
0.01
Vanadium
0.04
Fig. 5: X-ray diffraction scan of loose pieces after ultrasonic treatment. Note match patterns for chrysoberyl, clinochlore, quartz, albite and phlogopite.
Summary:
This specimen (Fig. 1) is indeed chrysoberyl (Figs. 2 and 3) with a pronounced color change. The trace and minor elements reveal that chromium is dominant over vanadium. In some locations, vanadium is more abundant than chromium. The specimens are composed dominantly of chrysoberyl with only small amounts of other minerals. This was revealed by X-ray diffraction (Fig. 5) which confirmed chrysoberyl as well as some clinochlore, quartz, plagioclase (albte), phlogopite from the loose material after ultrasonic treatment.
Date: 4-26-2025 Signature