Guide
Chrysoberyl specimens for sale
47 for sale · $145–$8,000 USD
167 in the gallery
Chrysoberyl is a mineral comprised of beryllium aluminum silicate. It forms in a range of colors from pale yellow to deep olive and can occur as well-formed prismatic crystals or in needle-like aggregates. The lustre is usually vitreous, and gem varieties such as alexandrite and cat’s eye chrysoberyl are particularly prized for color-change and chatoyancy. Collectors often seek clean, well-terminated crystals and specimens exhibiting the distinctive golden to greenish tones.
- Formula
- BeAl2O4
- Rarity
- Common
- Stability
- Stable
- Collector interest
- Moderate Interest
- Classification notes
- Oxide mineral; Strunz 4.BA
Key characteristics
- Crystal system
- orthorhombic
- Mohs hardness
- 8.5
- Specific gravity
- 3.5–3.84
- Luster
- vitreous, adamantine
- Transparency
- transparent, translucent
- Color
- colorless, yellow, green, brown, red
- Streak
- white
- Cleavage
- distinct
- Fracture
- conchoidal, uneven
- Crystal habit
- tabular, prismatic, granular, massive, equant
- Gem mineral
- Classic / historic
Buy Chrysoberyl specimens
View all 47Where Chrysoberyl is found
Top localities
- Novello Mine35 specimens
- Itaguaçu25 specimens
- Espírito Santo17 specimens
- Tsitondroina4 specimens
- Teófilo Otoni3 specimens
- Carnaíba mining district2 specimens
- Minas Gerais2 specimens
- Carnaiba Mine2 specimens
- Madagascar1 specimen
- Andilamena Quartz Quarries1 specimen
Guides
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About Chrysoberyl
Significant collecting localities include Brazil, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Madagascar, and Sri Lanka, where chrysoberyl occurs in pegmatitic pockets or metamorphic rocks. Fine gem crystals and metallic-looking cleavage surfaces are especially valued, along with specimens showing the characteristic cordierite-like pleochroism in some varieties. The mineral’s occurrence across diverse geological settings helps account for its presence in many cabinet displays from different continents.
Collectors appreciate chrysoberyl for its combination of rarity, crystal quality, and the appeal of gem-quality forms such as alexandrite and cat’s eye varieties, which offer striking color effects under varying light.
