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