Chrysoberyl is a mineral that produces gemstones ranging from golden-yellow to green-yellow, green, brownish and red. Two prized chrysoberyl gemstones include alexandrite and chrysoberyl cat¡¯s eye. On Mohs¡¯ scale of hardness, it is 8.5, making chrysoberyl among the hardest gemstones. Sources include Brazil, Sri Lanka, Burma (Myanmar), Russia (Urals), Zimbabwe and the United States.

 

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Chrysoberyl cat¡¯s eye is a highly prized gemstone in the chrysoberyl family. The shortened term ¡°cat¡¯s eye¡± always refers to chrysoberyl cat¡¯s eye. When cut in a cabochon or dome style, it displays fine, parallel lines of moving light rays that appear similar to the pupil of a cat. On Mohs¡¯ scale of hardness, it is fairly hard at 8.5. Primary sources include Sri Lanka and Brazil as well as China, India, and Zimbabwe.