All About Cymophane and Alexandrite Chrysoberyls

CYMOPHANE.

The cymophane, or floating light, as the name denotes, is a chrysoberyl with a bright spot of light which seems to float over the surface as the stone is moved. The cymophane is also cut cabochon.

ALEXANDRITE.

On the day that the Emperor Alexander of Russia attained his majority the Ural chrysoberyl, of a dark-green color, was found in the emerald mines of Takowaja in the Catherine Mountains.

This wonderful stone is emerald-green to dark-green in color, with often a slight red tint, but by artificial light the green of good specimens changes to a beautiful columbine-red.

As the colors green and red are the national colors of Russia, and the date of discovery of this stone in Russia occurred on the Emperor's birthday, the name alexandrite was given to this species of chrysoberyl.

The alexandrite is found in large pieces, but is nearly always flawed and cracked. This is a much-sought-after gem stone, and specimens of from one to five carats command good prices. Up to the present time, however, good alexandrites have been rare, and the demand has always exceeded the supply.

Cat's-eyes and cymophanes are found in Brazil in alluvial deposits of rivers, and consequently in rolled and rubbed masses.

Chrysoberyls are also found in Russia, Germany, America, Borneo, Pegu, and Moravia.

Chrysolites and topazes are sometimes passed off for chrysoberyls. The chrysolite is, however, lighter and softer, while the topaz becomes electric from heating, and is softer.

Quartz cat's-eyes, which are mistaken for chrysoberyl or Oriental cat's-eyes, have a specific gravity of about 2.65, hardness of 6 to 6.5, and are soluble in fluoric acid, besides melting with soda into a clear glass.