What is a Chrysoberyl?

Chrysoberyl is not just a golden beryl as its name implies. It is a completely different mineral a species which deserves to be known much better than it is. Like beryl it consists in part of the metals beryllium and aluminum, but it is an oxide, not a silicate, and it crystallizes in the orthorhombic, not the hexagonal, system, often as cyclic twins. Its properties are therefore totally unlike those of beryl. Its density and refractive index are much higher and its hardness makes it even more resistant to wear. There are two varieties that are most attractive, rare and much sought after:alexandrite and cat's-eye.



The more common variety of chrysoberyl consists of bright yellow stones, clear, transparent and with a good lustre. They are facet cut in all traditional styles and were widely used in jewelry of the eighteenth century.