Chrysoberyl
Once considered a variety of beryl and called "chrysolite." It is not widely found, with scattered deposits in Brazil, Sri Lanka, India, Russia, Madagascar, and Tanzania. V-shaped cyclic twinning can sometimes be observed.
A wide range of tones from mint to golden
Basic Information
| English Name | Chrysoberyl |
|---|---|
| Japanese Name | Kinreiseki (Gold-Green Stone) |
| Chemical Formula | Al2BeO4 |
| Crystal System | Orthorhombic |
| Hardness | 8.5 |
| Specific Gravity | Approx. 3.71 |
Varieties & Characteristics
- Chrysoberyl Cat's Eye: Exhibits chatoyancy due to needle-like inclusions.
- Alexandrite: Changes color from green in daylight to red under incandescent light. Discovered in the Urals in 1842.
- Alexandrite Cat's Eye: Extremely rare.
- Vanadium Chrysoberyl: Mint-colored variety due to vanadium (found in Tanzania).
Distribution, Treatment & Similar Stones
Trade Names: Formerly called "chrysolite," etc. (now ambiguous).
Treatments: Resin/oil impregnation for cracks, irradiation (neutron) to deepen color tones. *Irradiated items may retain radioactivity.
Similar Stones: Sapphire, Tourmaline cat's eye, Apatite cat's eye, color-change garnet.