A Geoscience Digital Image Library
A Geoscience Digital Image Library
| Title | Chrysoberyl from Oxford Co., Maine |
|---|---|
| Description | Chrysoberyl (BeAl2O4) is a rare mineral that occurs in granites, pegmatites, mica schists, and some placers. It has three main gem variaties. The first type is simply faceted transparent Chrysoberyl that is usually found in yellowish green to green, yellow and shades of brown. The second variety is the “cat's eye”, also known as cymophane. The third and perhaps most interesting variaty is alexandrite. This rare and valuable gemstone has the unique property of changing color depending on the type of light that hits it. In sunlight, it appears almost emerald green, while in artificial incandescent light it appears a violet-red. Chrysoberyl's name comes from the Greek chrysos meaning “golden” and the mineral beryl. |
| Location | USA ▹ Maine ▹ Oxford. Near Greenwood. |
| Photographer | Shannon Heinle. 2001-02-09. |
| Collection | University of North Dakota Mineralogy Collection #416. |
| Key words | chrysoberyl, cat's eye, cymophane, alexandrite |
| Tech details | 442 KB. Hand specimen. Fujifilm FinePix S1Pro digital camera; 60mm AF Nikon micro lens. |
| GeoDIL number | 38 |
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