Beryllium aluminate, which makes up the mineral chrysoberyl, has the chemical formula BeAl2O4. It is a significant gem that is valued for its longevity, brilliance, and interesting color changes. The gemstone family of chrysoberyl contains a variety of stones like alexandrite, cat’s eye chrysoberyl, and yellow-green chrysoberyl that have comparable features and characteristics.

The most well-known member of the chrysoberyl family is alexandrite. It was given the name Alexander II after Tsar Alexander II when it was originally found in Russia in the 1830s. Because of the mineral’s chromium content, alexandrite is renowned for its extraordinary capacity to change color. Alexandrite appears green or bluish-green in daylight, but changes to a reddish or purplish color in incandescent lighting. The alexandrite gemstones with the most noticeable color changes are the most expensive.

Another well-known gemstone from the chrysoberyl family is cat’s eye chrysoberyl. Its characteristic chatoyancy or “cat’s eye” look, which is brought on by light reflecting off the gemstone’s tiny parallel inclusions, gave rise to the name. The colors of cat’s eye chrysoberyl can range from yellow to green to brown to gray, and the amount of chatoyancy can differ from stone to stone. The finest cat’s eye chrysoberyl gemstones are highly sought after and have a high market value.

A less well-known member of the chrysoberyl family is yellow-green chrysoberyl. It is highly valued for its brilliant purity and strong yellow-green color. Chrysolite and olivine are other names for yellow-green chrysoberyl that are occasionally used, although they are inaccurate. The rather uncommon and costly gemstone is mostly found in Sri Lanka and Brazil.

The toughness and durability of chrysoberyl gemstones are highly valued qualities that make them perfect for usage in jewelry. They have a Mohs hardness rating of 8.5, making them substantially tougher than most other gemstones and almost as hard as sapphire. Also highly reflective, chrysoberyl gemstones have a stunning brilliance and sparkle.

Chrysoberyl gemstones are used for a variety of other things than jewelry. Because they transmit light without distortion, they are used in scientific devices like spectroscopes. In industrial applications, chrysoberyl is also used as a high-temperature insulation material.

In conclusion, chrysoberyl is a priceless and useful gemstone that is available in a range of colors and shapes. Some of the most valuable and sought-after gemstones in the world, such as alexandrite, cat’s eye chrysoberyl, and yellow-green chrysoberyl, are members of the chrysoberyl family. These gemstones are widely prized by collectors and jewelry enthusiasts alike for their hardness, brilliance, and color-changing qualities.