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| ALEXANDRITE (color change Chrysoberyl) |
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| CAT'S-EYE CHRYSOBERYL (Cymophane) |
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Chrysoberyl (BeAl2O4) is a rare oxide
mineral. It most often occurs in shades of yellow to green to
brown. There are two very rare varieties of chrysoberyl,
the color changing alexandrite and the chatoyant
cymophane (chrysoberyl cat's eye), which are highly prized as
gemstones owing to their unusual optical properties.
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Chrysoberyl (BeAl2O4) occurs most often in granitic rocks, pegmatites and mica schists. It has also been found in contact metamorphic deposits of dolomitic marble with corundum, and in fluorine skarns. Most chrysoberyl is recovered from river sands and gravels.
In the chrysoberyl variety cymophane, microscopic tubelike cavities or needlelike inclusions occur in an orientation parallel to the c-axis producing a chatoyant (cat's eye) effect visible as a single ray of light passing across the crystal. This effect is best seen in gemstones cut in cabochon form perpendicular to the c-axis.
The color in yellow chrysoberyl is due to Fe+3 impurities.
Small scale replacement of alumina by chromic oxide in chrysoberyl results in the formation of the rare chrysoberyl variety alexandrite and is responsible for alexandrite's characteristic green to red color change in daylight versus incandescent light.
Chrysoberyl is characterized by its high hardness, high specific
gravity and color. Well formed crystals can be recognizied as chrysoberyl by
their characteristic twinning.
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The name chrysoberyl is of ancient origin, beryl being derived from the Greek word given to green gemstones, and chryso meaning golden. Cymophane is derived from two Greek words meaning wave and to appear, referring to its chatoyant effect.
Alexandrite was first discovered in 1831 in an emerald mining region of the Ural Mountains in the Soviet Union. It is said to have been first discovered on the day that the Russian czar Alexander II came of age. Thus it was named "alexandrite" in his honor by the mineralogist Nordenskjold. It is an interesting coincidence that the Russian national colors are green and red.
Traditionally, chrysoberyl cat's-eye is believed to protect the wearer from evil spirits.
All of the varieties of chrysoberyl are used as gemstones.
The astrological sign of chrysoberyl is Leo.
The astrological sign of cymophane (cat's-eye chrysoberyl) is Gemini.
The astrological sign of alexandrite is Scorpio.
Alexandrite is the birthstone for the month of June.
Alexandrite is the symbolic gemstone for the 45th
wedding anniversary.
Chrysoberyl is said to assist one in striving for excellence, and
to bring peace of mind and increased self-confidence by helping one
to more fully understand the fact that
one already has all that one needs to succeed within oneself.
Cymophane is said to help balance one's emotions, and to make
one feel at ease with oneself as well as with others. It is also
said to stimulate one's problem solving capabilities by providing
a more in depth understanding of the details involved.
Alexandrite is said to help balance one's emotional state, to
provide confidence, to increase self-esteem and to help bring
about change. It is also said
to bring happiness and success, and to intensify feelings of
love and sensuality.
Chrysoberyl is said to enhance the healing properties of
other stones, and to treat disorders of the pancreas,
liver and kidneys.
Cymophane is said to provide relief from feminine
discomforts and intestinal maladies.
Alexandrite is said to be usefull to help treat pancreatic disorders,
swollen lymph nodes and ailments of the spleen, as well as in the
treatment of afflictions occurring with leukemia.
For more in-depth metaphysical information, see our Metaphysical Books section.
This is the end of our Chrysoberyl Factsheet and Information page.