Beryl
General Information and Characteristics of Beryl
- Beryl is a mineral composed of beryllium aluminum silicate with the chemical formula Be.
- Well-known varieties of beryl include emerald and aquamarine.
- Beryl can be colorless or tinted by impurities, resulting in colors such as green, blue, yellow, pink, and red.
- It is naturally occurring and can form hexagonal crystals up to several meters in size.
- Beryl belongs to the hexagonal crystal system and typically forms hexagonal columns.
- Beryl has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale.
Formation and Occurrence of Beryl
- Beryl is formed through the crystallization of magma or hydrothermal processes.
- It occurs in pegmatites, granite, and metamorphic rocks.
- Beryl is commonly found in countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Zambia, Russia, and the United States.
- The largest emerald deposits are found in Colombia, while the largest aquamarine deposits are found in Brazil.
Uses and Applications of Beryl
- Beryl is primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry.
- Emerald, the green variety of beryl, is highly valued and considered one of the most precious gemstones.
- Aquamarine, the blue variety of beryl, is also popular in jewelry.
- Beryl is sometimes used as a raw material for the production of industrial materials such as abrasives and electrical components.
- Beryl crystals are also collected and appreciated by mineral enthusiasts.
Gemological Properties of Beryl
- Beryl has a refractive index ranging from 1.56 to 1.60 and a specific gravity of 2.63 to 2.80.
- The color of beryl can be influenced by impurities such as chromium (green), iron (blue), and manganese (pink).
- Beryl can exhibit pleochroism, meaning it can show different colors when viewed from different angles.
- The clarity of beryl can vary, with some stones being almost flawless and others containing visible inclusions.
Interesting Facts and Health Impact of Beryl
- The name 'beryl' is derived from the Greek word 'beryllos,' which means 'precious blue-green color of sea water.'
- Beryl is a beryllium compound and a known carcinogen with acute toxic effects when inhaled.
- Exposure to beryllium can lead to pneumonitis and berylliosis.
- Caution must be exercised during mining, handling, and refining of beryl.
- Red beryl, also known as bixbite, is one of the rarest and most valuable gemstones, with only a few known sources in Utah and New Mexico.
Beryl Data Sources
Reference | URL |
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Glossary | https://harryandcojewellery.com.au/blogs/glossary/beryl |
Wikipedia | http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beryl |
Wikidata | https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q103480 |
Knowledge Graph | https://www.google.com/search?kgmid=/m/01k3z |