|
Chrysoberyl
Chrysoberyl,
a beryllium aluminum oxide, is not related to the mineral beryl as
many might think by the name. Alexandrite and cat's eye are the most
valuable varieties of the stone. The third in the series of common
varieties is a transparent greenish yellow stone, famous in the
Victorian and Edwardian jewelry.
It is believed that cat's eye protect one from all the evil spirits
or the evil eye. According to the Hindus, it is said that it would
preserve health and guard against poverty. This stone was long admired
for its chatoyant character and became popular in the West by late
1800's.
Chrysoberyl occurs in numerous colors, predominately the shades of
green and brown. Chrysoberyl cat's eye, also known as cymophane, is of
honey color, a medium yellow with modifying brown. Alexandrite changes
color from red to green depending on the type of light it is viewed
in. The stone is extremely durable.
Chrysoberyl is found in Russia, Brazil and Asia. It occurs in
pegmatite, greisens and hydrothermal deposits. Its hardness is 8.5 on
Moh's scale. It is often confused with Tigereye, Yellow Sapphire,
Topaz, Citrine and Tourmaline.
 
|
Name |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Chrysoberyl |
8.5 |
3.70-3.72 |
Orthorhombic |
Imperfect |
1.744-1.755 |
+0.011 |
0.015 |
V Weak |
None |
|
