About Chrysoberyl
A beryllium aluminum oxide, known for its hardness and gem varieties like Alexandrite (color-change) and Cat's Eye. It's a stone of protection, discipline, and good fortune, enhancing personal power and compassion.
Primary Hues
Green, Yellow, Brown, Grey, rarely Blue or Red, (Alexandrite: color-change, Cat's Eye: chatoyancy)
Geological & Scientific Details
Chrysoberyl is classified as a oxide minerals mineral which typically crystallizes in the orthorhombic system. Its chemical formula is BeAl2O4. Common crystal habits include crystals tabular or short prismatic, prominently striated.
Key Geological Properties:
- Mineral Category: Oxide minerals
- Chemical Formula: BeAl2O4
- IMA Symbol: Cbrl[1]
- Crystal System: Orthorhombic
- Predominant Geological Color: Various shades of green, emerald-green yellow, blue, brownish to greenish black, may be raspberry-red under incandescent light when chromian; colorless, pale shades of yellow, green, or red in transmitted light
- Crystal Habit: Crystals tabular or short prismatic, prominently striated
- Twinning: Contact and penetration twins common, often repeated forming rosette structures
- Cleavage: Distinct on {110}, imperfect on {010}, poor on {001}
- Luster: Vitreous
- Streak: White
Associated Minerals
- Alexandrite
- Chrysoberyl
- Phenakite
- Topaz
- Tourmaline