Chrysoberyl Large Oval Chrysoberyl Mounted in Cluster RIng Chrysoberyl Chrysoberyl is not one of the best known gemstones. Its rarest variety alexandrite , however, is quite well known. Chrysoberyl is composed of Beryllium Aluminium Oxide, is harder than topaz, and includes a variety known as cat's eye, in addition to alexandrite which we have already mentioned.
Most chrysoberyl is green or yellow-green, but some is brown.
The rare alexandrite shows a colour change from green to red, and cat's eye has a strongly banded appearance which is well described by its name, and is also usually green or yellow-green. Victorian Fashion Chrysoberyl was very popular in Victorian and Edwardian times, when it was often inaccurately called chrysolite. It is possible that supply was more plentiful around that time, certainly it is not frequently seen nowadays.