Chrysoberyl
Chrysoberyl is surely the most underrated gemstone in the world of jewelry. It has all the characteristics of the finest gemstone - excellent durability, outstanding brilliance, great clarity and exciting colors - yet it is barely seen in the stores or online.
Chrysoberyl Colors
The best Chrysoberyls are the yellow examples with the color ranging from a lemony tone to a golden yellow as well as some with a hint of green. Less commonly seen colors include brownish red and clear colorless stones.
Read more about gemstones colors here
Chrysoberyl Species
Despite its name, Chrysoberyl is not part of the famous Beryl family of gemstones. The two gemstone types share the presence of the mineral beryl but otherwise have a totally different chemical make-up and crystal structure.
Chrysoberyl includes two of the most famous and illustrious gemstones within its group - Alexandrite, a very valuable color-change stone and cymophane also known as the original cat's eye gemstone.
Common Chrysoberyl is found in a variety of light colors and excellent clarity with no color-change or other optical phenomenon.
Chrysoberyl Price
Although it has many fine attributes, Chrysoberyl is such a little known gemstone that it can be snapped up at very reasonable prices.
Like most gemstones, it is the color of Chrysoberyl that will be the major contributor to its price assuming the cut and clarity are of a high standard. A deep yellow, golden or greenish yellow color is very much appreciated although they are similarly priced so the actual color tone is a matter of personal preference. Any chrysoberyl for sale too 'washed out' or too brown will be valued a little less.
Large carat sizes are very rare so the price will increase dramatically as the gemstones get bigger. Sizes less than a carat can be found at around $30 - $50 per carat while gemstones between 1 and 2 carat should cost above $100 per carat. Chrysoberyl for sale bigger than 3 carats could be considerably more.
Chrysoberyl Treatments
Regular Chrysoberyl is not often treated in any way other than cutting and polishing. Its appearance does not seem to be improved by heating.
Where is Chrysoberyl found?
Some of the most notable sources of Chrysoberyl are Brazil, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Australia, India, Tanzania, Madagascar and the United States.
What jewelry is Chrysoberyl suitable for?
Chrysoberyl is rated at very durable 8.5 on Mohs hardness scale which makes it third behind diamonds, rubies and sapphires as one of the toughest of all gemstones. This makes Chrysoberyl ideal for all types of jewelry even daily wear items.
