Deservedly famous for its extreme durability, chrysoberyl is an independent beryllium aluminum oxide mineral that ranks an impressive 8.5 on the Mohs hardness scale—surpassed only by sapphire, ruby, and diamond. In its standard faceted form, it is highly prized for its exceptional clarity and a bright, glass-like luster that showcases a lively color palette of crisp lemon yellows, chartreuse greens, and warm golden-honey tones driven by trace amounts of iron. While its name comes from the Greek words for “golden beryl,” it is chemically distinct from the beryl family and is famous for producing two of the most legendary phenomena in the gem world: the dramatic color-changing “Alexandrite” and the sharp, light-reflecting “Cymophane” (better known as Chrysoberyl Cat’s Eye). Combining striking natural brilliance with rugged toughness, this exquisite stone is an elite choice for daily-wear jewelry and serious collectors alike.