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chrysoberyl

chrysoberyl

1 9.9
A hard, rare yellow-green mineral used as a gem
  • noun
  • /ˈkrɪsəˌbɛrɪl/
  • Specialized
: crisoberilo
  • The jeweler displayed a stunning ring featuring a large chrysoberyl that sparkled in the light.

Examples

  • Many collectors seek chrysoberyl gemstones for their unique yellow-green hue and durability.

  • This necklace is adorned with several chrysoberyl stones, making it a beautiful piece of jewelry.

  • A chrysoberyl sky, translucent golden green, a misty green sea, and an ocean of feathery green plumes tossing noiselessly, as with a great silent joy, in the morning wind.

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Surface Forms

chrysoberyl singular
chrysoberyls plural

Morphology

chrysoberyl = beryl (opaque) = chryso + beryl

The combining form 'chryso-' is a classical element not familiar to average learners, and 'beryl' is a specialist mineral term, so most learners cannot reliably infer the meaning from the parts.

Etymology

Chrysoberyl comes from Greek chrysos meaning 'gold' and beryl, the name of a gemstone. The name points to the stone's yellow-green, gold-like color, so today chrysoberyl still means a rare, hard gemstone with a yellow-green shine.