Chrysoberyl

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Introduction
 

	Chrysoberyl is not one of the best known gemstones. Its rarest variety Alexandrite, however, is quite well known, although the number of people who have heard of Alexandrite is probably 100 times greater than the number who have ever seen one, and 1,000 times greater than the number who have ever owned one.
Legends & Lore
	The gem of springtime, youth and innocence, the name Chrysoberyl is derived from the Greek for golden “Chryso” and green gemstone “Beryl”.

Said to bring peace of mind and increase self-confidence, Chrysoberyl also promotes kindness, generosity, benevolence, hope, optimism, renewal, new beginnings, compassion and forgiveness.
 

When cut, Chrysoberyl is an extremely brilliant gem, ideal for everyday wear and is rapidly gaining in popularity amongst fashionable young designers.
 

Ordinary transparent Chrysoberyl is most often yellow, yellowish green, or brown in color. The most desired gems are brilliant yellows, greens and occasionally oranges.
 

Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl is a translucent gem ranging in color from a honey yellow or honey brown to yellowish green to an apple green. It is known for its reflected light effect called "chatoyancy." This is achieved by cutting gems that have very small, parallel "silk" inclusions into cabochons. As the gem is rotated, it exhibits a distinct, silvery white line across its dome that seems to open and close like a cat's eye.
 

Fine Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl may be yellow, yellowish green, or golden brown. In the finest qualities, the gems will be semi-transparent and they will exhibit a sharp white eye. As you turn the gem around, the eye will move. The best Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl also exhibit a "milk and honey effect," when the gem is rotated, one side of the gem appears transparent, as the other side takes on a creamy appearance. In large Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl, the milk and honey effect is an important consideration in valuing the gem.
 

Chrysoberyl is found in a variety of locations around the world including Brazil, India, Sri Lanka, Russia and Zimbabwe. Exceptional quality Chrysoberyl has recently been an unearthed in Magara, Tanzania, a region made famous by Tanzanite and Tsavorite.
 

Faceted gems over 10 Carats are rare, over 20 Carats extremely hard to obtain, and clean gems over 30 Carats are museum pieces.
 

Unlike its high-priced cousin Alexandrite, regular Chrysoberyl is very reasonably priced and exceptionally tough (8.5 on the Moh's Scale of Hardness), producing some extremely durable gems.