Chrysoberyl is a special stone. Its yellow to green color is due to the iron atoms present in its crystal structure. With a hardness of 8 ½ on the Mohs scale, it is a very resistant stone, particularly suitable for use in jewelry. It was only recognized as an independent mineral in 1790: before that, it was considered a beryl, so it was called "golden beryl".
What makes chrysoberyl special is its optical effects: cat's eye, asterism and color change. The cat's eye is particularly famous. It is a luminous band that appears on some chrysoberyls. It is due to the presence of fine parallel inclusions, which will reflect light, creating the cat's eye. If other stones can have a cat's eye (such as tourmaline or zircon), chrysoberyl is the best known and most emblematic. Thus, the term "cat's eye" used alone often refers to cat's eye chrysoberyl.
Cat's eye ring sold at Christie's
Cat's eye became popular in Europe in the 19th century, when the Duke of Connaught gave a cat's eye engagement ring to Princess Louise-Marguerite of Prussia. Today, it is used primarily in men's jewelry.
Chrysoberyl is often cut in brilliant or degree cut to bring out the colors, while the cat's eye is cut in cabochon to better bring out its luminous band. Chrysoberyls are found in Sri Lanka, Brazil, Madagascar and Tanzania.
Discover without delay our collection of chrysoberyls available on Nascendi Paris.
