Chrysoberyl

Chrysoberyl occurs in a range of colours, from transparent yellows to greens and browns. It is also found in a colourless variety and can sometimes be bi-coloured. Chrysoberyl is extremely hard and all varieties display a bright and robust finish, whether faceted or cut as cabochons.

A common variety of Chrysoberyl is the Cat’s Eye. This pale yellow, honey-coloured or green/brown translucent variety shows good chatoyancy (cat’s eye effect) and was at one time called Cymophane. The finest yellow Cat’s Eyes are found in Sri Lanka and Brazil. While there are a number of gemstones which display a cat’s eye effect, only the Chrysoberyl variety can be described as “Cat’s Eye” alone.

Chrysoberyl is found in Sri Lanka, Brazil, Myanmar, Zimbabwe and Madagascar.

Another important variety of Chrysoberyl is Alexandrite.

View Chrysoberyl Jewellery at Astley Clarke