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Chrysoberyl

Photo: Matteo Chinellato / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Chrysoberyl

Also known as: Cat's eye (cymophane)

Hard golden-green gem famed for its 'cat's eye' variety – parent mineral of alexandrite.

  • ColourYellow, Green, Golden
  • Mineral groupOxide
  • ChemistryBeAl₂O₄
  • Hardness (Mohs)8.5
  • Crystal systemOrthorhombic
  • Where it's foundSri Lanka, Brazil, India, Madagascar, Tanzania
  • ChakraSolar Plexus, Crown
  • ZodiacLeo

What is Chrysoberyl?

Chrysoberyl is a beryllium aluminium oxide and, at 8.5 on the Mohs scale, one of the hardest gems. Its name comes from the Greek for "golden beryl", though it isn't a beryl. Its famous varieties are cat's eye (cymophane), which shows a sharp band of light, and alexandrite, which changes colour between daylight and incandescent light. Crystals often form star-shaped twins (trillings).

Chrysoberyl astrology & birthstone

  • Zodiac signsLeo
  • Ruling planetSun
  • ElementFire
  • Birthstone month—

Zodiac, planet and element links come from crystal-lore traditions and vary between authors. Birthstone months follow the American Gem Society list.

Chrysoberyl meaning & traditional properties

Chrysoberyl is associated with confidence, protection and clarity in crystal traditions.

  • Confidence
  • Protection
  • Clarity

Traditional and metaphysical properties are shared for cultural and educational interest. Crystals are not a substitute for medical advice or treatment.

How to use Chrysoberyl

  • Wear chrysoberyl as jewellery – it's very durable.

How to care for Chrysoberyl

Very hard and durable. Clean with warm soapy water.

Looking for Chrysoberyl?

Chrysoberyl isn't in our shop right now – new stock arrives regularly. In the meantime, explore similar crystals we have available or browse our full crystal collection.

  • Citrine
    In our shop

    Citrine

    Golden quartz and November birthstone – the crystal lore 'merchant's stone' of abundance and optimism.

Rituals & pairings

Pair Chrysoberyl with a protection & cleansing ritual

A traditional cleansing ritual for resetting your space and feeling protected.

Traditionally paired with: White sage or palo santo smudge sticks · Dragon's blood, frankincense or myrrh incense · A white or black candle

  • Open a window, then light a white sage or palo santo stick and let it smoulder.
  • Gently waft the smoke around your crystal and through the room, corners first.
  • Light a white candle and place your crystal beside it while you set a simple intention, such as "This space is calm and protected".
  • Finish with frankincense or dragon's blood incense and let it burn down safely.

Safety: never leave candles, incense or smudge sticks burning unattended, keep them away from children, pets and anything flammable, and ventilate the room. Rituals are shared as tradition, not as a treatment.

Ritual oils, essential oils & perfumes

Deepen your practice: tarot & oracle cards

Wear it & work with it

Chrysoberyl jewellery & pendulums

Wear the energy of your favourite crystals every day – browse our handmade crystal jewellery and dowsing pendulums.

Chrysoberyl FAQs

Is alexandrite a chrysoberyl?

Yes – alexandrite is the colour-change variety of chrysoberyl.

Related crystals

  • Alexandrite

    Alexandrite

    The famous colour-change gem – green in daylight, red under warm light – and a June birthstone discovered i...

  • Heliodor

    Heliodor

    Golden-yellow beryl named 'gift of the sun' – a bright crystal lore stone of confidence.

  • Citrine
    In our shop

    Citrine

    Golden quartz and November birthstone – the crystal lore 'merchant's stone' of abundance and optimism.

  • Peridot

    Peridot

    Lime-green August birthstone born deep in Earth's mantle – and even found in meteorites.

Sources