Beryllium aluminum oxide. The variety alexandrite shows a dramatic color change from green in daylight to red in incandescent light. Color: Yellow-green, green, brownish; alexandrite changes color. Luster: Vitreous. Streak: White. Cleavage: Good in one direction. Hardness: 8.5. Transparency: Transparent to translucent. Crystal system: Orthorhombic. Chemical formula: BeAl₂O₄. Specific gravity: 3.68-3.78. Formation: Forms in granitic pegmatites and in mica schists near pegmatite contacts. Common geological settings: Brazil, Sri Lanka, Russia alexandrite , Madagascar; found in pegmatites and alluvial deposits. Common look-alikes and related entries: Beryl, Olivine, Sapphire.
These authoritative resources support category-level nomenclature, terminology, identification methods, and safety. When a specimen-specific safety warning appears, the public-health source listed here directly supports that precaution. They are not line-by-line citations for every other property on this entry, and natural specimens vary.
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Last updated
2026-03-30T14:37:39.473132+00:00
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Published; not independently peer-reviewed
IMA–CNMNC List of Mineral Names — International Mineralogical Association. Official mineral-name, nomenclature, and classification records.
Mineral ID Key — Mineralogical Society of America. Physical-property identification methods, repeat-testing guidance, and limitations.
Beryllium aluminum oxide. The variety alexandrite shows a dramatic color change from green in daylight to red in incandescent light.
How can you identify Chrysoberyl?
Compare several properties rather than relying on colour alone. This entry records colour: Yellow-green, green, brownish; alexandrite changes color; lustre: Vitreous; streak: White; Mohs hardness: 8.5; cleavage: Good in one direction; crystal system: Orthorhombic; transparency: Transparent to translucent. Confirm an important identification with additional field tests or qualified laboratory work.
How does Chrysoberyl form?
Forms in granitic pegmatites and in mica schists near pegmatite contacts.
Where is Chrysoberyl commonly found?
Brazil, Sri Lanka, Russia alexandrite , Madagascar; found in pegmatites and alluvial deposits.
What is Chrysoberyl commonly confused with?
Chrysoberyl may be confused with Beryl, Olivine, Sapphire. Compare multiple diagnostic properties because colour and surface appearance can overlap.
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