Mineral Guide > Precious Stones > Chrysolite gem stone

Chrysolite gem stone

This mineral is known among the gems by many names. It is often called Chrysoberyl by jewelers, while the true chrysoberyl is called Chrysolite. It is also known by different names, according to its color, it being called peridot when of a deep olive-green, olivine when of a yellowishgreen, and chrysolite when of a lighter or golden-yellow color. The name chrysolite means gold stone. One feature distinguishing chrysolite from most other gems is its relatively low hardness, which is 6/. It will thus scratch feldspar, but is scratched by quartz and most other gems. Again, it is relatively heavy, its specific gravity being between 3.3 and 3.4. Its luster, too, while vitreous, has a slightly oily tinge, which can be detected by a little experience. Chrysolite is easily dissolved by the common acids. In composition it is a silicate of magnesium and iron, the relative percentages of the two latter elements varying.

Chrysolite Crystal picture