Mineral Guide · Mineral

Chrysoberyl

Chrysoberyl is a hard beryllium aluminium oxide and an important gemstone species, including the colour-change variety alexandrite and chatoyant cymophane.

Interactive 3D structure

Crystal structure

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Mineral properties

Formula: BeAl₂O₄
Class: Oxides
Crystal system: Orthorhombic
Typical colours: brown, yellow, greenish yellow, yellow-green
Lustre: Vitreous
Hardness: 8.50
Specific gravity: 3.68-3.78
Crystal habit: Prismatic, Tabular, Twinned
Origin: granite-related pegmatites, mica schists and alluvial deposits derived from resistant crystalline rocks

Related varieties

Alexandrite

What is Chrysoberyl?

Chrysoberyl is a hard beryllium aluminium oxide and an important gemstone species, including the colour-change variety alexandrite and chatoyant cymophane.

Mineralogy and structure

The reference formula is BeAl₂O₄. Chrysoberyl belongs to the oxides and has a orthorhombic crystal system. Chrysoberyl is orthorhombic and exceptionally resistant to abrasion. Alexandrite owes its colour change to chromium, while cymophane shows a cat’s-eye effect from aligned inclusions.

Colour and appearance

Typical colours include yellow, greenish yellow, yellow-green, brown. Crystal habit, lustre, transparency and matrix association are often as diagnostic as colour.

Formation and localities

Chrysoberyl forms in or is associated with granite-related pegmatites, mica schists and alluvial deposits derived from resistant crystalline rocks. Important documented localities include Brazil, Sri Lanka, Russia, Madagascar, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

Collecting and care

Chrysoberyl is best kept as a labelled collector or reference specimen. Protect fragile crystals from impact and prolonged humidity changes. Lead-, arsenic-, chromium- and cobalt-bearing minerals should not be cut, ground or used in jewellery.

Sources and editorial review

Reviewed by NotOnlyRocks Editorial Team

Last reviewed: 31 August 2026

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