Chrysoberyl crystal from Conselheiro Pena, Brazil – miniature specimen as unique piece
This Chrysoberyl crystal from Brazil shows a well developed elongated crystal with a clearly visible prismatic structure. The surface displays fine longitudinal striations typical for this mineral giving the specimen an attractive texture. The color ranges from yellowish to greenish with slightly warm and locally brownish tones.
The crystal form is clearly recognizable and provides a very aesthetic overall appearance. Despite minor natural irregularities the crystal appears compact and well formed. Transparency varies from translucent to opaque with some areas allowing light to pass through highlighting the internal structure.
Geology & Origin
Chrysoberyl is a beryllium aluminium oxide and one of the more durable gemstone minerals with a Mohs hardness of 8.5. It typically forms in pegmatites as well as in metamorphic rocks and is often associated with minerals such as Quartz Feldspar and Mica.
Brazil is one of the most important sources for Chrysoberyl especially in pegmatitic deposits such as those in the Conselheiro Pena region. The geological conditions there favor the formation of well developed crystals that are of great interest to both collectors and scientific study.