lab created alexandrite chrysoberyl synthetic alexandrite like sapphires are produced by the flame fusion method using vanadium oxide as the chromophore or coloring agent these stones have been manufactured since and are commonly marketed as a substitute for genuine alexandrite chrysoberyl which is vastly more expensive experienced gemologists can detect these stones through simple use of magnification which reveals internal curved striae and sometimes gas bubbles which confirms their synthetic origin the change of color is also unlike genuine or lab created alexandrite