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Chrysoberyl
Chrysoberyl is oxide (beryllium aluminum), BeAl₂O₄. In the hand, it rates 8.5 on the Mohs scale, and it runs yellow-green and golden. Golden-green gem just below sapphire in hardness, famous for cyclic V-twins, razor-sharp cat's eyes, and the alexandrite color flip. Pegmatites and gem gravels: Sri Lanka, Brazil, Russia (Urals, alexandrite's home), Tanzania, Madagascar.
The geology.
Chrysoberyl carries the formula BeAl₂O₄. It belongs to the orthorhombic system. It is classified as oxide (beryllium aluminum).
It sits at 8.5 on the Mohs scale. The surface reads vitreous, bright. Light behaviour is transparent to translucent. Specific gravity runs 3.68 to 3.78. The streak is white. It breaks with distinct cleavage; conchoidal fracture.
Golden-green gem just below sapphire in hardness, famous for cyclic V-twins, razor-sharp cat's eyes, and the alexandrite color flip.
You will most often meet it as V-shaped twin 'trillings', waterworn pebbles, faceted or cat's eye cabochons.
The origins.
Pegmatites and gem gravels: Sri Lanka, Brazil, Russia (Urals, alexandrite's home), Tanzania, Madagascar.
On value, the database notes: yellow-green stones mid-range; fine alexandrite and sharp cat's eyes are among the priciest gems.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, associated with confidence, discipline, and (in alexandrite) fortunate transformation.
People buy on this language, so it belongs on the page. It belongs under the facts, though, not over them.
Spotting the real thing.
Golden-green gem just below sapphire in hardness, famous for cyclic V-twins, razor-sharp cat's eyes, and the alexandrite color flip.
Synthetic color-change corundum has impersonated alexandrite for a century; fine cat's eye is also imitated by fiber-optic glass.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Peridot | Peridot is far softer (6.5 to 7) with oily luster; chrysoberyl scratches quartz with ease |
| Heliodor | Golden beryl is softer and forms hexagonal prisms |
| Lab alexandrite | Most 'alexandrite' in vintage and budget jewelry is synthetic corundum or true lab chrysoberyl, too large, too clean, too cheap |
At-home tests.
You can run every one of these at a kitchen table. Good light matters more than gear when you are looking at chrysoberyl.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| Scratch check | Scratches quartz and topaz (Mohs 8.5) |
| By eye | Cyclic twin 'wagon wheel' or V-forms |
| Alexandrite | green-to-red shift between daylight and incandescent light |
Stop short of anything that leaves a mark. A gemologist can answer the rest without damaging the stone.
Care & handling.
At 8.5 on the Mohs scale it stands up to everyday wear. It will still chip on a hard knock, so treat edges and points with respect.
It breaks with distinct cleavage; conchoidal fracture, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Skip the ultrasonic. Lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft cloth handle routine cleaning without risk.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is BeAl₂O₄. Crystal system: Orthorhombic. Specific gravity: 3.68 to 3.78. Streak: White. Cleavage and fracture: Distinct cleavage; conchoidal fracture.
How it reaches the market
Pegmatites and gem gravels: Sri Lanka, Brazil, Russia (Urals, alexandrite's home), Tanzania, Madagascar.
What it gets confused with
Peridot: Peridot is far softer (6.5 to 7) with oily luster; chrysoberyl scratches quartz with ease. Heliodor: Golden beryl is softer and forms hexagonal prisms. Lab alexandrite: Most 'alexandrite' in vintage and budget jewelry is synthetic corundum or true lab chrysoberyl, too large, too clean, too cheap.
What it is worth
Yellow-green stones mid-range; fine alexandrite and sharp cat's eyes are among the priciest gems.
Where buyers get caught
Synthetic color-change corundum has impersonated alexandrite for a century; fine cat's eye is also imitated by fiber-optic glass.
One more thing
Alexandrite was named for Tsar Alexander II, red and green were Imperial Russia's military colors, found in one stone.
An education-first guide.
We do not carry chrysoberyl. This page exists because the question comes up and the honest answer is worth writing down, whether or not there is anything here to sell you.
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