# Chrysoberyl > [!material-gem] Material Details > | | | > |---|---| > | **Aliases/Varieties** | Alexandrite. Cat's Eye. Cymophane. | > | **Category** | Gemstone | > | **Color(s)** | Transparent, yellowish-green, green, golden-yellow, brown, purple | > | **Cost** | —— | > | **Environment/Habitat** | —— | > | **Profession(s)** | [[Jewelcrafter]], [[Tinkerer]] | > | **Qualities** | - Ornamental<br>- Protective | > | **Rarity** | —— | > | **Size** | —— | > | **Weight** | —— | > [!material-gem] Specifications > | | | > |---|---| > | **Crystal System** | Orthorhombic | > | **Formations** | Clusters in pegmatites and country rocks | > | **Formula** | BeAl2O4 | > | **Hardness** | 8.5 (Mohs) | > | **Mineral Class** | Oxide mineral | > | **Primary Components** | beryllium, aluminum | > | **Refractive Index** | —— | --- ## Description A durable gemstone with sought-after ornamental properties of chatoyancy and colorchanging. It protects from disaster, bestows strength, and brings focus to scholars. ### Physical Description A rare alluminate of beryllium, found in the form of semi-precious gemstones. Usually yellowish or greenish, chrysoberyl appears in many color variations, depending on the mineral impurities. The opacity covers the entire spectrum, with most valuable stones being eye-clear. Rare cat's-eye variation, known also as cymophane, displays curious 'milk and honey' effect—part of the gem being translucent and the rest opaque. The rarest of chrysoberyls, alexandrite, changes colors depending on the light; usually sea-green in natural light, it turns red or raspberry pink in incandescent light. --- ## Occurrence Chrysoberyl is found in pegmatites, gneisses, mica schists and dolomitic marbles; also as water-worn pebbles. It is relatively rare, being a beryllium mineral. Alexandrite, which includes also chromium usually not encountered in beryllium-carrying rocks, has only been found in a few parts of the world and in exceedingly rare deposits that are quickly becoming depleted. ### Extraction & Preparation Chrysoberyl is mined underground and rarely enhanced. Only cat's-eye chrysoberyl sometimes receives oils, dyes, or radiation treatment to enhance the colors. Due to the beryllium content, use protection when working with chrysoberyl, as dust is harmful to the lungs. --- ## Properties ### Decorative Properties Despite its durability and often beautiful coloration, the most common goldenyellow chrysoberyl is not extensively used in jewelry. While it can be brilliantly cut, it lacks the fire of other gems. The rare variants, however, are very expensive and sought-after. Alexandrite, called 'emerald by day, ruby by night,' is often set in white gold or platinum. Cat's eye, always cut as a cabochon, is the original and clearest of all gems displaying chatoyancy. ### Magical Properties Chrysoberyl bestows strength and protection upon its wearer, repels disasters, and keeps evil at bay. Due to relatively low cost, it is often inserted into pommels of magical weapons, to increase their durability. The clarity of these golden gems restores the clarity of thought, bolstering self-discipline, assuredness, and concentration. It is a favorite of scholars, with its power to focus thoughts and ignore distractions. It pushes against procrastination and seems to shine brighter in proximity of scientific brilliance. Chrysoberyl-studded jewelry is a common gift between academically-minded folk, and many universities include them in their regalia and seals. Alexandrite is particularly well suited for protection during travels, as it delays the onset of tiredness and allows one to travel overland safely and in a timely manner. It strengthens one's intuition, helping to avoid ill-advised shortcuts, dodgy alleys, and potential ambushes or accidents. Cat's-eye summons wealth and is particularly useful in all kinds of prosperity or treasure-hunting magic. Pressed against bare skin, it has the power to render its wearer invisible for a time, but the expenditure of magical energy progressively dulls the stone, which then has to be enhanced to regain its full power.