Chrysoberyl: Optically Awesome

 

At 8.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness, chrysoberyl is definitely a durable stone. There are three kinds of chrysoberyl gemstones, and they each offer a different type of beauty. Chrysoberyl is a stone that both men or women can enjoy wearing.

Chrysoberyl was discovered in 1789, and it was given its name by Abraham G. Werner in 1790. The name comes from the Greek words “chrysos” and “beryllos,” meaning golden gem. Although it contains “beryl” in its name, chrysoberyl is not the same as, nor is it a part of, the beryl variety of gemstones, which includes favorites such as aquamarine, morganite, emerald, and the rarest, bixbite.

Chrysoberyl has been found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, and Zimbabwe. There are three different kinds of chrysoberyl: alexandrite (originally found in Russia), yellow chrysoberyl, and cymophane.

First, alexandrite is unique in that it has the capability of changing color in different lighting conditions. In sunlight, alexandrite appears greenish in color. However, when subjected to incandescent lighting, it will appear purplish in color.

Second, yellow chrysoberyl used to be known as chrysolite. Yellow chrysoberyl is yellow or yellowish green in color. The presence of iron inside the stone will determine the stone’s color. Regardless if it’s color, if it has transparency, it is good enough to classify as a gemstone that can be used in jewelry creations. Transparent chrysoberyl needs no enhancement.

The third kind of chrysoberyl is cymophane, more commonly known as cat’s eye. The color can be yellow to honey to brown. Again, the presence of iron will dictate the color of cat’s eye. A ring of light that crosses the stone is visible when the stone is cut in a cabochon style. The ring of light is caused by reflections of light on inclusions that are within the gemstone. The result is an effect that resembles a cat’s eye.

 

Men's Diamond and Cabochon Cut Cat's Eye Ring - $ 348.99 Retail Price: 600.00 You Save: $251.01 From: Gemologica

While other gemstones display a similar cat’s eye effect, chrysoberyl is the only gemstone that can truly be called cat’s eye by itself. Any other gemstone that possesses the cat’s eye characteristic has to have that gemstone’s name preceeding the words “cat’s eye.” An example would be tourmaline cat’s eye.

 

Men's Diamond and Cat's Eye Ring in Yellow Gold - $ 212.99 Retail Price: 425.00 You Save: $212.01 From: Gemologica

On the Mohs scale of hardness, chrysoberyl ranks as the third hardest of all of the natural gemstones. Whether you choose alexandrite, yellow chrysoberyl, or cymophane (cat’s eye), your selected gemstone will be suitable for use in any kind of jewelry. Cat’s eye is an especially popular gemstone for the men.

When determining a chrysoberyl’s value, depth of color is important. Equally important is the transparency. Of the three chrysoberyls, alexandrite is the most expensive, followed by cat’s eye and lastly, yellow chrysoberyl.

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