The facts
What chrysoberyl actually is
The species behind chrysoberyl is chrysoberyl, BeAl₂O₄; it forms in the orthorhombic system.
Iron is responsible for the colour — and the chromophore, not the name, is what decides whether a colour is stable.
On the instruments it reads a refractive index of 1.745–1.759 and a specific gravity of about 3.70–3.78, with distinct, one direction cleavage.
Where chrysoberyl comes from
Commercial material comes from Sri Lanka, Brazil, Madagascar and Tanzania.
Different localities give different colour and different clarity, and the trade prices them differently. We state which one.
Is chrysoberyl treated?
None normally.
Nothing needs disclosing, and nothing about the stone can change after you buy it. If a price looks impossible, the risk is substitution rather than treatment.
What chrysoberyl is confused with
Watch for Yellow sapphire, Citrine and Peridot — these are what turn up sold under this name.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.745–1.759 and specific gravity 3.70–3.78 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What chrysoberyl is used for
The trades that buy chrysoberyl are jewellery and mineral collecting. They do not want the same thing, and they do not pay in the same unit.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the carat or by the specimen.
Durability and care
Chrysoberyl is 8.5 on the Mohs scale, with distinct, one direction cleavage.
With no cleavage plane to worry about, the practical limit is abrasion rather than breakage, and it takes daily wear well.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What chrysoberyl costs
Expect roughly $50–800/ct, depending on quality.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is chrysoberyl treated?
None normally.
Where does chrysoberyl come from?
Sri Lanka, Brazil, Madagascar and Tanzania. Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is chrysoberyl hard enough to wear every day?
Yes. At 8.5 on the Mohs scale with no cleavage plane, it handles daily wear well. The practical limit is gradual abrasion rather than chipping.
How much does chrysoberyl cost?
Indicatively $50–800/ct. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is chrysoberyl confused with?
Most often Yellow sapphire, Citrine and Peridot. A refractive index of 1.745–1.759 and a specific gravity near 3.70–3.78 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for chrysoberyl?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about chrysoberyl