Gemstone profile and identification guide
Chrysoberyl
Chrysoberyl is a very hard beryllium aluminum oxide gemstone species that includes alexandrite and cat-eye varieties.
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Overview
Chrysoberyl is a very hard beryllium aluminum oxide gemstone species that includes alexandrite and cat-eye varieties.
Did you know? Chrysoberyl is distinct from beryl despite similar naming.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Chrysoberyl
Scientific classification: Oxide (Chrysoberyl)
Hardness: 8.5 Mohs
Transparency: transparent
Lustre: vitreous
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Primary colour: Yellow Green
Secondary colour: Green
Colour family: Greens
High hardness, high RI, and orthorhombic optics distinguish chrysoberyl from most look-alikes.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Values are reported as practical gemological ranges where appropriate.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: very hard
Hardness value: 8.5 Mohs
Chemical composition: Beryllium aluminum oxide (BeAl2O4)
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Common locations: Brazil, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Madagascar, India
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Usually yellow-green to green or brownish-yellow transparent gems.
Optical effects: Chatoyancy (in cymophane), Colour Change (in alexandrite variety)
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Chrysoberyl
Mineral group: Chrysoberyl group
Chemical formula: Beryllium aluminum oxide (BeAl2O4)
Mohs hardness: 8.5
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Lustre: vitreous
Transparency: transparent
Streak: White
Cleavage: Distinct in one direction
Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven
Specific gravity: 3.70-3.78
Refractive index: 1.746-1.755
Optical phenomena: Chatoyancy in fibrous material; colour change in alexandrite variety
Colour range: Yellow green, green, brownish yellow
Common inclusions: Needles, fingerprints, fluid inclusions
Geological environment: Pegmatites and metamorphic terrains
Principal mining regions: Brazil, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Madagascar, India
Important commercial sources: Commercial chrysoberyl is sourced from Brazil, Sri Lanka, and East African deposits
Historical significance: Important source species for alexandrite and cat-eye gemstones.
Common treatments: Generally untreated; occasional clarity enhancement may occur.
Synthetic or imitation forms: Synthetic chrysoberyl and color-change simulants exist.
Common look-alikes: Tourmaline, peridot, synthetic spinel
Jewellery uses: Used as faceted gemstone and cat-eye cabochons.
Care recommendations: High durability for daily wear, but avoid severe impact on cleavage directions.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Chrysoberyl.
Formation
Forms in pegmatitic and metamorphic environments enriched in beryllium and aluminum.
Origin
Commercial chrysoberyl is sourced from Brazil, Sri Lanka, and East African deposits
Uses
Best for: Used as faceted gemstone and cat-eye cabochons.
Ideal uses: High-wear jewellery, collector faceting, and cat-eye gems.
Care
High durability for daily wear, but avoid severe impact on cleavage directions.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
Gemstones from the same mineral family
Commonly confused gemstones
Chrysoberyl FAQ
How can I identify Chrysoberyl?
Compare hardness (8.5 Mohs), crystal system (Orthorhombic), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Chrysoberyl appear in?
Usually yellow-green to green or brownish-yellow transparent gems.
Where is Chrysoberyl commonly used?
High-wear jewellery, collector faceting, and cat-eye gems.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 02 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 02 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 02 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 02 factual verification pass.