What is chrysoberyl?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
Chrysoberyl is a naturally occurring mineral and gemstone composed of beryllium aluminium oxide, with a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale, making it one of the hardest gemstones after diamond and corundum. Its basic form is transparent to translucent in shades of yellow-green, golden yellow and honey brown. Chrysoberyl is best known as the parent mineral of two extraordinary varieties: alexandrite, the colour-change stone, and cat's eye chrysoberyl, which shows a bright moving band of light across the stone.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between chrysoberyl, alexandrite and cat's eye?
- All three belong to the same mineral family. Chrysoberyl is the general species; alexandrite is the rare colour-change variety coloured by chromium; and cat's eye chrysoberyl shows a chatoyant band of reflected light caused by parallel inclusions in the stone. Each is technically chrysoberyl, just with different optical properties.
- Is chrysoberyl valuable?
- Plain chrysoberyl is attractive and durable but modestly priced compared with the rarer varieties. Cat's eye chrysoberyl is considerably more valuable, especially with a sharp, centred eye and good colour. Alexandrite is one of the most expensive gemstones in the world when fine-quality and showing a strong colour change.
- What colour is chrysoberyl?
- Plain chrysoberyl is most commonly yellow-green, golden yellow or brownish yellow, with the colour coming from iron in the crystal. The colour is pleasant and warm, though the stone is best known through its exceptional varieties rather than in its basic yellow-green form.
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