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Chrysoberyl
Chrysoberyl is a very popular gemstone composed of beryllium aluminum oxide. [1]
Chrysoberyl: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Chrysoberyl:- Transparency: Chrysoberyl can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, chrysoberyl is orthorhombic.
- Luster: In terms of luster, chrysoberyl is vitreous (glassy).
- Streak: Chrysoberyl streaks white.
- Hardness: Chrysoberyl's hardness is 8.5 on the Moh's scale.
- Specific Gravity: Chrysoberyl's specific gravity ranges from 3.68 to 3.7.
Chrysoberyl: Background and Summary
Chrysoberyl is a mineral that belongs to the oxide mineral group. It is composed of beryllium, aluminum, and oxygen, with the chemical formula BeAl2O4. The mineral is known for its unique optical properties, including its high refractive index and strong birefringence. Chrysoberyl is a hard and durable mineral, with a Mohs hardness of 8.5, making it one of the hardest gemstones after diamond, corundum, and moissanite.Chrysoberyl is typically yellowish-green in color, but can also be found in shades of brown, yellow, green, and gray. The mineral is often confused with other gemstones, such as peridot and olivine, due to its similar green color. However, chrysoberyl can be distinguished from these minerals by its high hardness and birefringence. Additionally, chrysoberyl often exhibits a unique cat's eye effect, which is caused by the reflection of light from parallel needle-like inclusions within the stone.
Chrysoberyl is primarily used as a gemstone, and is known for its durability and unique optical properties. The most valuable and sought-after form of chrysoberyl is the variety known as alexandrite, which exhibits a color change effect under different lighting conditions. Other forms of chrysoberyl, such as yellow and green varieties, are also used as gemstones. Chrysoberyl is also used in a variety of industrial applications, including as a source of beryllium and as a component in high-temperature ceramics.
Chrysoberyl: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Chrysoberyl (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | BeAl2O4 |
| Chemical Composition | beryllium aluminum oxide |
| Specific Gravity | 3.68, 3.7, 3.72, 3.74, 3.8 |
| Hardness | 8.5 |
| Streak | white |
| Crystallography | orthorhombic |
| Refractive Index | 1.74, 1.777 |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: green, yellow, red sometimes: blue, black, brown, colorless less common: gray, pale, pink, honey, orange, violet, multicolor |
| Fracture | 1: 1 |
Chrysoberyl: FAQ
Q: Is chrysoberyl a rare mineral?A: Chrysoberyl is considered a relatively rare mineral, particularly the alexandrite variety. However, it is not as rare as some other gemstones, such as diamond or emerald.
Q: How can I tell if a gemstone is chrysoberyl?
A: Chrysoberyl can be identified by its high hardness, birefringence, and unique cat's eye effect. It is often yellowish-green in color, but can also be found in shades of brown, yellow, green, and gray.
Q: What is the most valuable form of chrysoberyl?
A: The most valuable form of chrysoberyl is the variety known as alexandrite, which exhibits a color change effect under different lighting conditions.
Sources
- Mindat.org. (n.d.). Chrysoberyl: Mineral information, data and localities. Retrieved from https://www.mindat.org/min-1036.html- Gemological Institute of America. (n.d.). Chrysoberyl. Retrieved from https://www.gia.edu/chrysoberyl
- Chrysoberyl: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chrysoberyl
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