Chrysoberyl
Chrysoberyl
The third-hardest gem - host to alexandrite and cat's-eye.
- Mohs hardness
- 8.5
- Crystal system
- Orthorhombic
- Composition
- BeAl₂O₄
- Colours
- Yellow, Yellow-green, Brown
- Origins
- Brazil, Sri Lanka, Madagascar
Chrysoberyl includes three distinct gem varieties: ordinary chrysoberyl (yellow-green), cat's-eye chrysoberyl (cymophane - sharp single chatoyant line) and alexandrite (colour-change).
Cat's-eye chrysoberyl shows the strongest and sharpest 'eye' of any gem - a single bright line that glides across the dome of a cabochon as it is rotated.
Treatments
What to know
- Generally untreated
Care & handling
How to wear it
- Excellent durability
- Ultrasonic and steam generally safe
Jewellery use
Setting the gemstone
Cabochons (cat's-eye) in rings; faceted material in any setting.
Same family