Gemstone encyclopedia
Chrysoberyl — meaning, history and vintage jewelry
Chrysoberyl is a hard, brilliant, under-appreciated species at 8.5 on the Mohs scale. It appears in three forms in antique jewelry: transparent yellow green chrysoberyl, the cat's eye variety known as cymophane, and alexandrite, which shifts from green in daylight toward red under incandescent light. Its hardness means antique chrysoberyls often survive with their original polish intact.
What chrysoberyl is
Georgian and Victorian jewelers used yellow green chrysoberyl, sometimes under the old name chrysolite, in rings and rivieres. The material is hard enough that two centuries of wear leave surprisingly little damage.
Cat's eye chrysoberyl shows a single sharp band of light across a cabochon, and was a favorite for Victorian and Edwardian gentlemen's rings. True alexandrite is rare and expensive; anything described as alexandrite should be supported by a report, since color change synthetic corundum was sold under the name for decades.
Color and hardness
- Species
- Chrysoberyl
- Color
- Yellow green to golden brown; also cat's eye and color change alexandrite
- Mohs hardness
- 8.5
- What that means in wear
- The third hardest gem material in common use, after diamond and corundum. Exceptionally durable.
How to care for chrysoberyl
- Very tolerant. Warm soapy water and a soft brush suit it well.
- Cat's eye cabochons should be handled gently to protect the polish on the dome.
- Any stone sold as alexandrite deserves an independent laboratory report.
Our full house rules, including what the one year warranty does and does not cover, are in the care & warranty guide.
History and symbolism
Alexandrite was identified in Russian deposits in the 1830s and named for the Tsarevich, which sealed its status in nineteenth century Europe. Cat's eye chrysoberyl became a status stone for men's rings in the late Victorian period.
Alexandrite's dual color has long been read as adaptability. Cat's eye was worn as a stone of protection and watchfulness.
Chrysoberyl in vintage and antique jewelry
Georgian rivieres and rings in yellow green chrysoberyl; Victorian and Edwardian cat's eye rings, often with diamond shoulders; occasional Deco alexandrite, which should always be documented.
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Chrysoberyl pieces in our collection
Every curated vintage, antique and estate piece is one of a kind and checked by our jewelry specialists in the Netherlands. If nothing is right today, we will look for it.
Frequently asked questions
- Is alexandrite the same as chrysoberyl?
- Alexandrite is the color change variety of chrysoberyl. All alexandrite is chrysoberyl, but very little chrysoberyl is alexandrite.
- Why is chrysoberyl good for daily wear?
- At 8.5 on the Mohs scale it resists scratching better than almost anything except sapphire, ruby and diamond.
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