Alexandrite is a rare and highly prized gemstone renowned for its deep green coloration and remarkable brilliance. Its scarcity and beauty have made it a favorite among nobles, jewelers, wealthy merchants, and arcane practitioners. Fine specimens are commonly set into luxurious jewelry, incorporated into enchanted items, or held as portable stores of wealth by those seeking to transport significant value in a compact form.
Usage:
Alexandrite is most commonly traded as a cut gemstone for jewelry, investment, and magical craftsmanship. Its high value relative to its size makes it a favored medium for storing wealth, conducting large transactions, and transporting riches discreetly across great distances.
| Type | Availability | License Tier | Source Cost | Wholesale Price | Base Price | Premium Price | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gemstones | Rare | 1 | 350gp | 425gp | 500gp | 750gp | n/a |
Alexandrite is a rare gemstone found primarily in deep mines and gem-rich regions. Most specimens pass through multiple merchants and gem cutters before reaching the open market.
Export Locations: The Great Rift, Calimshan, Chult
Premium Markets: Waterdeep, Calimport, Suzail
Exotic Markets: Huzuz, Skuld, Shou Lung
Exotic Market Notes
Huzuz – Wealthy merchant princes and noble families maintain strong demand for rare gemstones used in jewelry, gifts, and displays of status.
Skuld – Powerful temples, nobles, and collectors purchase fine gemstones for ornamentation, investment, and ceremonial use.
Shou Lung – Vast markets and affluent merchant classes create continual demand for imported luxury gemstones and finished jewelry.
Common Buyers: Nobility, jewelers, wealthy merchants, collectors, arcane practitioners, temples
Common Producers: Mining companies, gem prospectors, dwarven mining clans, independent gemstone merchants
Profit Potential: High
Alexandrite requires minimal storage space but should be secured in locked containers or strongboxes. Larger shipments are often transported under guard due to their high value and portability.
Transport Risks: Moderate
Storage Difficulty: Easy
Spoilage Risks: None
Inspection Frequency: Occasional
Smuggling Appeal: High
Regulation Level: Moderate
Alexandrite's combination of rarity, beauty, and compact value makes it a favored trade good among merchants seeking to move wealth efficiently. High-quality specimens are frequently purchased by nobles and wealthy collectors, while exceptional stones may find their way into magical jewelry, enchanted items, or royal treasuries. Because of its small size and high worth, alexandrite is often targeted by thieves, counterfeiters, and smugglers.
| Tier | Description |
|---|---|
0 - Open |
This item may be freely bought, sold, transported, and stored without special permits or registration. Open Trade goods form the foundation of everyday commerce and are rarely subject to inspection beyond normal taxation. |
1 - Registered |
This item is legal to trade but may be subject to routine taxation, record-keeping, or inspection when transported in commercial quantities. Merchants conducting regular business in these goods are often expected to maintain a recognized trade registration. |
2 - Controlled |
This item is considered hazardous, specialized, or otherwise regulated. Merchants may be required to obtain a trade license, maintain records of sale, or submit shipments for inspection. Bulk transport is often monitored by guilds, city authorities, or trade officials. |
3 - Restricted |
This item possesses significant economic, strategic, or industrial value. Trade is limited to approved merchants, guild members, chartered companies, or licensed organizations. Unauthorized possession or transport may result in confiscation, fines, or suspension of trade privileges. |
4 - Chartered |
This item is subject to monopolies, exclusive trade agreements, state control, or powerful guild charters. Production, transport, and sale are closely regulated. Access is typically restricted to organizations operating under special contracts, noble grants, or government authorization. |
5 - Prohibited |
This item is illegal to produce, possess, transport, or sell within most jurisdictions. Exceptions are rare and generally require direct authorization from ruling authorities. Violations often carry severe penalties, including imprisonment, asset seizure, exile, or execution. |