A rare gemstone of mesmerizing beauty
Chrysoberyl is a mineral stone and gem. Rarely found in nature, the stone is valued by collectors in its uncut form. And ladies who love spectacular jewelry are looking for stones in jewelry.
Popular varieties are cat's eye (cymophane) and alexandrite. In jewelry, these stones are found much more often than chrysoberyl.
Silver ring SL with cat eyes (go to SUNLIGHT catalogue)
Description and history of chrysoberyl
Chrysoberyl is a highly transparent mineral.
The name "chrysoberyl" comes from the word chrysos, which means "golden" in Greek. This is explained by the yellowish color of one of the varieties of stone.
The mineral is a transparent, less often translucent stone. Some nuggets contain small inclusions in the form of dots or stripes. Such specimens are considered rarer and more expensive.
The color palette of the stone includes shades of yellow, green, and brown. Colorless stones are extremely rare.
According to information obtained from rock paintings of the 2nd century. BC, the gem was in demand among ancient yogis. These data are confirmed by the treatise “Rasaraja Tarangini”, written in Ancient India about 4 thousand years ago. This work from the field of medicine describes a gemstone that is similar in color to bamboo leaves.
The ancient Greek encyclopedist Pliny also mentions this mineral. However, this source describes the stone as a subspecies of beryl.
The most detailed description of the stone was made by A.G. Werner, a German geologist who lived in the 18th century.
Questions/Answers
This review article does not cover all types of chrysoberyl in detail. If you have any questions, just ask.
How to distinguish a fake?
Too bright colors of crystals should alert the buyer: there is a high possibility of imitation.
- Alexandrite is a first class stone. Its prices can terrify even the middle class of buyers. Therefore, when purchasing this jewelry, feel free to ask for a certificate. And if your salary is average, and the cost of the jewelry is low, rest assured: this is a fake.
- Tsimofan. When purchasing, pay attention to the "cat's eye" pupil stripe. The strip has the shape of a crescent and a star - the crystal is most likely artificial.
Interesting: chrysoberyls are most often imitated with tinted cubic zirconia.
How to care?
We use standard care products:
- Contaminated jewelry is washed with warm soapy water, rinsed, and wiped dry with a napkin.
- It is better to remove rings and bracelets before doing housework (related to the use of household appliances).
- We follow the rule: each piece of jewelry has its own case.
- Keep jewelry away from sunlight.
Cleaning with ultrasound and steam is acceptable (if you know for sure that the crystal was not “treated” with gel or oil).
Who should wear it?
Alexandrite - for lawyers, diplomats.
Tsimofan - for people who are career-minded.
Chrysoberyl - for older people; Gems tone the body as a whole.
People of creative professions.
How to wear?
Alexandrite is recommended to be worn in pairs. One ring or one pendant can bring the loss of a spouse, so says the old belief. Diamonds are suitable for it (Alexandrite), but this stone of Tsar Alexander is good and solo.
"Cat's eye" (cymophane) can be combined with other crystals with the same effect (hawk's eye, bull's eye). The tsimofan is worn on the right side of the body. If you are unrequitedly in love, cymophane is not your stone.
What is the price?
The most expensive of the chrysoberyl family are alexandrites. Cymophanes are more affordable in price, but not by much. Other types are much cheaper.
Type and quality of crystal | Price in US$ |
Commercial grade chrysoberyl | 10-20 |
Top quality; weight 10-15 carats | 450-500 |
Cymophane is of low quality, possible defects | 50-900 |
"Milk and Honey" | 950-6500 |
The price for alexandrites will be from 5,000 to 37,000 US dollars. But if you consider that crystals rarely exceed 1 carat in weight, the price will not be “astronomical”.
For your information: the best cymophanes are mined in Ceylon.
What colors are there?
Many shades of green:
- emerald green;
- grassy green;
- yellow-green;
- greenish brown;
- whitish green;
- yellow;
- bluish.
There is a colorless variety, but it is not highly valued by jewelers.
Where can I buy?
Cymophanes and especially alexandrites are expensive and very expensive. Before purchasing, it is better to enlist the help of a competent gemologist.
It is better to buy them in trusted places, and before purchasing, study the certificate for the crystal.
For your information: Russian tourists often bring “real Egyptian alexandrites” from Egypt. There are no alexandrite deposits in Egypt and there never were.
When is the best time to buy?
Buy alexandrite on the 9th day of the lunar month.
For other chrysoberyls there is no exact data on the specifics of purchase.
What stones does it go with?
Diamonds, pearls, emerald and garnet are worthy company for chrysoberyl.
The most famous chrysoberyls - what are they?
The largest chrysoberyl weighing 8 kg was found in Brazil in 1828.
The Ural alexandrite “Druze of Kochubey” is exhibited in the Mineralogical Museum named after. A. Fersman. It weighs more than 6 kg and contains 22 crystals.
When you're in Washington, check out the Smithsonian Museum. You will be able to see a gray cat's eye. Its weight is 1715 carats, the stone was mined in Sri Lanka. In the same museum is the largest faceted alexandrite, weighing 66 carats.
The London Treasury of Kings contains not only crowns, tiaras, and the royal Orb. There are also outstanding gems there. Cymophane weighing 313.2 carats was brought from Sri Lanka.
Chrysoberyl deposits
Scientists claim that the formation of a gem in nature occurs as a result of hydrothermal influence on a mixture of beryllium and aluminum oxides. Gemstone deposits are formed in granite, gneisses and mica schists.
Chrysoberyl deposits are found throughout the world.
Chrysoberyl is found in deposits throughout the world, but deposits of this gemstone are small. Most gems are mined:
- in Brazil;
- in USA;
- in Sri Lanka;
- in Madagascar;
- in the Ural Mountains.
Varieties
This subgroup contains 3 types of minerals.
Simple chrysoberyl
These are golden samples with a unique shine that are no less beautiful. Skillful hands of craftsmen cut them, allowing Chrysoberyl to shine amazingly. Even small chrysoberyls can transform any decoration.
Large stones are considered a unique phenomenon and are found in private collections.
Alexandrite
Alexandrite is considered especially valuable from this group for its unique property of changing color depending on lighting. The emerald mineral becomes reddish. This feature is not given to every stone, which is why alexandrite costs a lot of money. It is important to note that official mining of the stone has long ceased. Small specimens are more common, and their value increases every year.
The name comes from the Tsar of Russia.
Tsimofan
The stones are yellow-green and “golden”. Samples with a cat's eye effect, which are also considered expensive, are held in high esteem. The effect is achieved due to air channels located throughout the surface of the stone. One of the properties of the mineral is the strongly pronounced effect of asterism. Among the various specimens, the most valuable are those with the alexandrite effect. They make pendants and rings with it. It is difficult to find two identical specimens in nature.
Place of Birth
Most of the deposits that have practically exhausted themselves are located in Upper Burma, Brazil, Madagascar, Sri Lanka and Russia.
Shades and types
This mineral is usually divided into several varieties, which differ in color:
- simple chrysoberyl;
- cymophane;
- alexandrite.
Simple chrysoberyl
The gem is characterized by high transparency and green color (the tint can be yellowish or brown).
Tsimofan
The more common name for cymophane is cat's eye. This gem is yellow or golden-green in color. When processed as a cabochon, some stones acquire shimmer and asterism. This optical effect is made possible by the reflection of light from small inclusions that are located in the same direction.
Cymophane or cat's eye is yellow in color.
When processed using another technique, blue reflections appear on the edges of the cymophane.
Alexandrite
Alexandrites from the Ural Mountains have bluish-green hues. The stones found in the deposits of Sri Lanka are colored rich green. Alexandrite differs from other types of chrysoberyl in that it can change shade. Thus, green minerals turn reddish or purple when exposed to artificial light.
From India to the Russian Empire
The Mahabharata, an ancient Indian epic, describes the coronation of Yudhishmitra. This ruler was given precious vaiduriam (as chrysoberyl was called in India) as a gift.
Let's turn to Pliny's Natural History. He wrote that "the color of chrysoberyl is somewhat paler than the green of the clear sea, but with a sparkle that turns into a golden color." In Greek, chrysos means gold.
But not all gems have “gold” in their color.
Ancient Rus' knew the gem under the name berzat.
After alexandrite was found in the Urals, the stone gained incredible popularity. They were worn by nobility close to the emperor.
origin of name
Tsimofan received the name at the turn of the 18th-19th centuries from the famous French mineralogist R.J. Gayui. The name consists of two Greek words: “kyma” - wave and “phanos” - light.
Colored tsimofan with a sharp and focused eye
A little earlier, about 10 years, chrysoberyl itself took its place in the classification.
Alexandrite was described by the Russian scientist N. Nordenskiöld. The name is given in honor of the Russian Tsar Alexander II.
Physico-chemical characteristics
The mineral is characterized by several features:
- Structure . Chrysoberyl is a collection of short-prismatic crystals.
- Form . Raw nuggets are shaped like a heart.
- Formula . Beryllium aluminate has the formula BeAl2O4.
- Hardness _ Index 8.5 on the Mohs scale. High hardness explains the fragility of the stone.
- Transparency . The mineral has complete or high transparency.
- Colors . It can be golden, yellow, bluish-green, olive, emerald, with a hint of brown. It is extremely rare to find completely colorless stones.
- Density _ The indicator is in the range of 3.5–3.84 g/cm³.
- Shine . There is a diamond or glass shine.
- Kink . In different specimens, an uneven or conchoidal fracture with a greasy tint is observed.
Chrysoberyl has a diamond or glass luster.
Placers, pegmatites, skarns
The mineral is found in pegmatites and contact-metasomatic formations, in greisens, skarns, and mica schists.
It is stable, therefore it is found in placers.
Unprocessed chrysoberyl in placer
Healing properties of chrysoberyl
In Ancient Rus', chrysoberyl was considered a healing gem that protected its owner from many diseases. Such properties were described in Svyatoslav’s Collection.
Lithotherapists recommend wearing jewelry with this crystal when:
- ophthalmological diseases, decreased visual acuity;
- dermatological diseases;
- circulatory disorders;
- frequent stress, sleep disturbances, irritability;
- pathologies of the nervous system;
- chronic and severe diseases (it is believed that the stone accelerates recovery and strengthens the immune system).
While wearing the amulet, experts do not recommend abandoning traditional treatment of diseases.
How to wear it correctly
Jewelry with chrysoberyl should not be worn constantly. Having put them on in the morning, it is advisable to take them off in the evening.
Some believe that alexandrite can bring bad luck to married women. But it is believed that if you wear it in pairs (a ring and pendant set, earrings, etc.), then there will be no harm from the gem.
It is imperative to remove jewelry before cleaning and other household chores, as well as before cosmetic procedures, taking a bath, or going to the pool.
The magical properties of chrysoberyl
According to Indian legends, chrysoberyl brought people closer to the world of nature and spirits. The owner of such a talisman gained the ability to understand the language of birds and animals and acquired clairvoyance skills.
Chrysoberyl gives a person clairvoyance skills.
Amulets made from this gem were in great demand among khans, princes and kings. It was believed that such a crystal protected not only a high-ranking person, but also those around him.
Esoteric teachings attribute several magical properties to chrysoberyl:
- It helps a married couple strengthen warm relationships, maintain love and avoid betrayal.
- The owner of the jewelry becomes more confident in himself, hidden qualities appear.
- The mineral helps careerists in rapid career advancement.
- Brings a sense of peace and tranquility into life, helps you find your place.
- Influences the material side of life, attracts wealth and abundance to the house.
History of the cat's eye stone
The history of the mysterious stone goes back to antiquity. They say that they knew about this stone even before the Flood, and they allegedly treated it with caution and even distrust. Centuries have passed and now it is considered one of the first amulets stones. But the ancient Egyptians, on the contrary, really valued this stone, because it looked like the eye of a cat, and they revered cats very much. Archaeological excavations confirm the Egyptians' favor with this stone. They were used to decorate musical instruments, rings, and were found among jewelry in tombs. And even since those ancient times, a legend has been passed down that the stone, sensing danger, warned its owner by flashing an iridescent light strip. Later, less attention was paid to this stone. Its popularity returned when, in the second half of the 19th century, Prince Arthur of Connaught (third son of Queen Victoria) presented the cymophane ring to his bride, Louise Margaret of Prussia. At the beginning of the 20th century, the price of cat-eye jewelry increased significantly.
Scope and scope
Chrysoberyl is an extremely rare stone with a beautiful shine and original color. Such characteristics determine the scope of use of the mineral. It is used only for making jewelry.
Jewelry
The mineral is used to create all types of jewelry: bracelets, rings, earrings, necklaces, brooches. The largest and most valuable is chrysoberyl, measuring 45 carats. This specimen has a rich yellow-green color and a round shape. The gem is processed using the diamond technique and is part of a diamond ring. This decoration is an exhibit of the British Museum.
The mineral is used to make jewelry.
Rules of care
Caring for the stone is not difficult.
In order not to damage or spoil its natural beauty, it is recommended to adhere to the following rules:
- The product with the gem is removed before cleaning, in case of close contact with chemicals and cosmetics. Also, you should not wear the stone in the pool or when taking a bath;
- you need to use a separate box with velvet lining inside to store chrysoberyl. Otherwise, the stone may interact with other products, minerals and may lose its unique properties;
- To remove negative energy from the stone, it is recommended to rinse it under running water.
- for cleaning you need to use a soap solution with 2-3 drops of ammonia. Afterwards the gem is wiped with a soft, clean cloth.
Chrysoberyl is a mineral suitable for any person, regardless of gender or age. Even small children are allowed to wear it, since the soft energy is not capable of causing severe harm. With the help of a stone you can eliminate many diseases and heal mental wounds.
Charms and amulets
As an amulet, you should choose jewelry in the form of a bracelet, pendant or ring. It is believed that specimens with drawings and inclusions have the greatest magical power.
When purchasing rings and bracelets, you must consider the hand on which the jewelry will be worn:
- When worn on the left hand, the crystal affects the inner world of its owner. The stone will develop intuition, self-confidence, and fortitude. In addition, the decoration will be a “magnet” for prosperity and abundance.
- The crystal protects a person wearing a ring on his right hand from misfortunes, enemies, slander and ill-wishers.
It is believed that if chrysoberyl falls out of the setting or cracks while in jewelry, this indicates the depletion of the energy of the stone. It is no longer worth wearing such an amulet, because... the crystal has done its job.
Practical use
Therapeutic effect
- The stone is an assistant for cardiovascular diseases;
- Its energy is aimed at restoring the nervous system and psychosomatic diseases; it should be worn by those who are prone to depression;
- In addition, it is recommended to be worn by people suffering from liver diseases;
- Regular contact with it improves the condition of the skin (fights scabies and leprosy);
- Lithotherapists claim the beneficial effects of the stone on the entire body as a whole;
- It is an excellent assistant for intoxication (including alcohol).
Magical influence
- Chrysoberyl is classified as a mineral with powerful energy aimed at developing intuition and insight. A person wearing jewelry with a mineral will experience success;
- It protects the owner and protects him from misfortunes and sudden death;
- It should be worn by people who are faced with making important decisions due to their duties. The stone will help you make the right choice;
- It is also suitable as a talisman for the family. Contact with him helps spouses establish relationships that will only become stronger over time;
- A natural mineral will help a person find peace and tranquility;
Influence on Zodiac signs
The stone has maximum influence on Gemini, Capricorn, Libra and Cancer. For these representatives of the Zodiac, it will help them achieve success and make the most of opportunities. In addition, the mineral will attract true friends to the owner and protect him from envy.
Only Aquarius should not wear chrysoberyl.
How to distinguish from a fake
Stones artificially grown in laboratories cannot be called fakes. In terms of properties, they are practically not inferior to their natural counterpart. Among the counterfeit items, it is worth highlighting synthetic corundum and spinel. Among the specimens that are difficult to distinguish from chrysoberyl is green andalusite. Even jewelers find it difficult to distinguish them.
- First of all, you need to ask the seller for an appropriate certificate;
- In addition, to ensure that the sample is genuine, it is advisable to verify this fact by calling the laboratory that issued the documents;
- It is impossible to accurately determine the authenticity; this can be done by a homologist;
- Air bubbles in the mineral are drop-shaped. Such samples are very valuable and unique in their kind. The fake is a single color;
- Natural stone has various inclusions and dots that form beautiful patterns on the surface;
- If the fake is glass, it can be scratched with a sharp object, since the hardness of this material is lower;
- The product is brought to the light source. Natural stone always shows the full spectrum of rainbow shades.
Who is suitable according to zodiac sign and other characteristics
Astrologers say that the gem is not suitable for everyone:
- For Aries, the crystal is well suited as a decoration and amulet. It helps strengthen friendships and families.
- For Taurus it is considered neutral. When worn frequently, the mineral gives peace of mind and peace of mind.
- Gemini is one of the few zodiac signs for which chrysoberyl suits all parameters. The talisman attracts good luck and promotes self-realization of its owner.
- Cancers can choose all types of jewelry with this gem. With their help you can find pure love and develop clairvoyance.
- This is not the best option for Leo, but the stone will not cause harm. Best used for health purposes.
- The crystal is compatible with the sign of Virgo. It helps these people move towards their goals and increases self-esteem.
- Chrysoberyl allows Libra to achieve success in life. Career advancement occurs faster, dreams begin to come true.
- Thanks to this amulet, Scorpios can improve relationships with others and attract good luck and success.
- For Sagittarius, rings with this stone are best suited. This decoration will help strengthen relationships with loved ones.
- The stone also has a positive effect on Capricorns. Thanks to the talisman, representatives of this sign concentrate physical efforts and intellect to achieve their goal.
- Aquarians should not wear jewelry with this stone. Its energy has a destructive effect on the individual.
- For Pisces, such a gem gives a good mood and improves well-being.
The gem is not suitable for all zodiac signs.
Alexandrite is recommended to be worn by representatives of such zodiac signs as Gemini, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio and Taurus.
Tsimofan is more suitable for those born in January and October.
Esotericists emphasize that information should be considered only in the form of recommendations. The final decision to purchase chrysoberyl jewelry should be made based on individual preferences.
If, when wearing this stone, the owner experiences anxiety, discomfort, or weakness, then this indicates that the energy of the stone is incompatible with the energy of the owner.
Medicinal properties and significance for humans
The healing properties of chrysoberyl have been known for a very long time; they are mentioned in ancient Indian treatises on medicine. Modern lithotherapists generally agree with their ancient colleagues. In alternative healing, it is commonly believed that crystal can help with many health problems.
- Purple gems help people recover faster from traumatic brain injuries.
- Golden crystals help normalize cholesterol levels in the blood. They also improve the functioning of the liver, kidneys, pancreas and gall bladder.
- Lithotherapists often recommend looking at the gem every day for 10-15 minutes. This helps get rid of eye diseases, as well as nervousness and irritability.
- Alexandrite is a gem that has a beneficial effect on the blood. It is believed that it can help with anemia, anemia, and pressure surges.
- If you hang chrysoberyl over your bed, it will help cure insomnia, nightmares, and give you the strength to wake up in the morning.
- Women will appreciate the gem's ability to relieve pain associated with gynecological diseases. It helps pregnant women to bear and give birth to a healthy child.
- Regularly wearing a crystal strengthens the immune system. This is especially true during periods of seasonal epidemics of influenza and colds.
- Using the gem, you can cure male and female infertility. It also improves potency and relieves PMS pain in the fair sex.
There is an opinion that the healing properties of the chrysoberyl stone are only for those to whom it suits their zodiac sign. However, this is not entirely true. Astrological factors do not affect lithotherapy.
There is also a more dangerous misconception, according to which if you use the energy of stones, you do not need traditional medicine. In fact, gems and medications mutually enhance each other, allowing you to achieve a more lasting effect.
Price and best time to buy
The cost of a gem depends on several indicators:
- type;
- size;
- colors (transparent stones are more expensive);
- cutting method.
1 carat of alexandrite costs about $6,000–$20,000.
The price of a gem depends on the type and size.
Cymofane is sold at prices starting from $5,000 (weighing 5 carats) and at prices starting from $12,000 (weighing about 7 carats).
Cost and where to buy
Chrysoberyl is a rare gem, so its cost is quite high. A mineral with a rich color and good quality is considered unique.
For a stone weighing 5 carats you need to pay $25,000. A 7-carat mineral with a thin white line costs $84,000. For alexandrite they ask from $6 to $20,000.
Bright specimens of chrysoberyl are considered a real treasure for collectors. In terms of their value, stones are several times more expensive, so they are stored as a collection item rather than as jewelry.
How to distinguish chrysoberyl from a fake
First of all, when purchasing, you should read the documents and certificates.
When checking a stone, several methods are used:
- Natural stone, held in the palm of your hand, receives heat slowly. The imitation heats up quickly.
- The structure of the gem is heterogeneous. Under a magnifying glass you can see small inclusions and microcracks. Synthetic material lacks such features.
- The hardness of the crystal is close to the hardness of diamond. If you run a stone across a glass surface, it will leave a scratch.
Real chrysoberyl takes heat slowly.
When purchasing alexandrite, pay attention to the size. A stone whose diameter exceeds 6 mm is an artificial product.
When cut into a cabochon, cymophane acquires a characteristic iridescent stripe, which remains static when the stone is turned. In a dark room, the cymophan begins to sparkle.
Rules for wearing jewelry with chrysoberyl and caring for the stone
This gemstone pairs best with gold and platinum. Wearing such jewelry regularly is not recommended.
At night, all jewelry must be removed and stored in a designated storage area.
In order for the gem to retain its natural beauty for a long time, you should follow some rules for caring for it:
- It is important to protect jewelry from contact with water, dyes and aggressive chemicals.
- The product should be stored in a cool, dark place. An air-conditioned room is suitable for this purpose. Each time after wearing, the product is put away in a dark box with a soft cloth.
- You can clean the mineral from contamination using warm water and a soft cloth. Detergents and cleaning products are strictly not recommended.
Facts about the stone
- Natural alexandrites, which are found on the world market, are not subject to any processing. They are sold untreated, since thermal exposure and irradiation have no effect: the color remains the same. Sometimes they may resort to oiling, and the “cat's eye” channels can be cleaned with acid.
- In 2014, an alexandrite found in the Urals weighing 21.41 carats was sold for one and a half million dollars at auction.
- The color changing effect in precious minerals is named after alexandrite. It is called the “Alexandrite effect”.
- In tsarist times, chrysoberyl was worn exclusively by nobles and kings, so the mineral was considered a luxurious royal stone, indicating a high position in society.
Sources and literature
- Askinozy Heather, Jandro Timmy, Magic of stones and crystals. Precious practices that change lives for the better. – Publisher: Eksmo, 2022
- Andrey Zhukov, Guidebook. Precious stones from all over the world. – Publisher: Harvest, 2014
- Vladimir Dobrov, Healing energy of stones. Crystal therapy for beginners. – Publisher: Ves, 2022
- M. V. Shchekina, Geology. Minerals. – Publisher: MISiS, 2022
- Chukhrov F.V.. Bonstedt-Kupletskaya. E.M. Minerals. Directory. Issue 3. Complex oxides, titanates, niobates, tantalates, antimonates, hydroxides. - Moscow: Science, 1967. - P. 118-125. — 676 p.
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