CHRYSOBERYL

Chrysoberyl is a beryllium aluminum oxide mineral that encompasses several gemstone varieties. The most notable and significant among these are alexandrite, cat's eye chrysoberyl, and yellow chrysoberyl. These gemstones are renowned for their durability, impressive hardness (8.5 on the Mohs scale), and brilliance, making them ideal for various types of jewelry. Their unique optical effects further enhance their appeal, particularly cat's eye chrysoberyl, which is cherished for its captivating chatoyancy.

Alexandrite, in particular, is a remarkable variety of chrysoberyl that is highly prized for its exceptional color-changing properties. Under daylight or fluorescent light, it displays a striking greenish-blue hue, while incandescent light reveals a reddish-purple to purplish-red shade. This fascinating phenomenon is known as the alexandrite effect, highlighting why alexandrite is considered one of the rarest and most valuable gemstones.