The Chrysoberyl
The effects stone…
Chrysoberyl is an oxide of iron and aluminum. Discovered in 1790 by a German geologist who named this new stone Krisoberil as “the golden beryl”.
It is an allochromatic stone, so it can be found of all the colors, however the green chrysoberyl is the most widespread.
Chrysoberyls, tourmalines, diamonds, yellow gold earings
MINING
Chrysoberyl is formed in pegmatites, magmatic rocks. Current mines are in Algeria, Brazil and the United States.
Chrysoberyl, diamonds, white gold ring, Cartier
THE ALEXANDRITE
The Alexandrite is a very rare variety of chrysoberyl which has the particularity of having a “change color” effect. In day light, the stone is green-blue and in the incandescent light it appears red-pink. It was discovered in 1842 by Nils Gustaf who dedicated his discovery to Tsar Alexander II, green and red being the color of the tsars.
The main mines were in Russia, but they are now exhausted. Today Brazil has several mines but the stones are of less good quality and all do not change color.
The rarity of this stone, especially those coming from Russia explains the fact that its prices often exceed diamond’s prices.
Today there are synthetic corundums with “Alexandrite effect”. These syntheses nevertheless have a very metallic appearance, which makes them easy to identify.
Chrysoberyl, spinelle, tourmaline, white gold ring
THE CAT EYE
The cat eye is a shimmering variety of chrysoberyl. In the cold light, a white line moves along the width of the stone depending on the orientation of the light.
This effect is due to inclusions, channels inside the stone.
The cat eye chrysoberyls are always cut in cabochon, which highlights the movement of the line.
Cat eye chrysoberyl, diamonds, yellow gold brooch
If you are interested in chrysoberyl, don’t hesitate to discover what les Pierres de Julie have to offer in the store…
We are also available for any free expertise of your chrysoberyl jewelry, for that you can send an email with your photos to contact@lespierresdejulie.com.
Welcome to our store in the Swiss village of the 15th arrondissement of Paris!