Beryl Family Gemstones

Beryl is an aluminum beryllium silicate mineral. It is found in metamorphic and hydrothermal regions and produces several gemstones. It forms crystals in the hexagonal system with a hardness of 7 1/2 to 8 on the Moh’s Scale. It has a density of 2.67 to 2.78 grams / cubic centimeter. Streak is white. The mineral has four colors that produce gemstones that are used in high end jewelry. To know more about gems click on mysunrise .

Green beryl is the gemstone EMERALD. Emerald can be cut in a variety of shapes, but it does have one particular cut named for itself. Emeralds occur around the world, but the classic Muzo mine in Columbia has produced many fantastic stones. For me, there is a working gem quality emerald mine a short drive up the interstate from my house in Hiddenite, NC. Hiddenite is famous for a different green gemstone from which the town got its name. Emerald is a type III gemstone, so a “garden” of inclusions is expected. The other colors of beryl are expected to be loop clear and be free of inclusions. If one sees an emerald that does not have inclusions, suspect a synthetic (lab created) origin until proven otherwise.

The other colors of beryl fall under the classification as “precious beryl.” These stones include: , bixbite, golden beryl, heliodore, goshenite, and morganite. Aquamarine is a beautiful blue stone, and makes some fantastic jewelry. It can be confused by visual examination with topaz, but it is easily separated by examining the refrahactive index. I had a customer who asked me to repair a ring with a blue stone. She had received this ring when she was sixteen (40 years earlier) from her to be husband, and she assumed it to be glass. Turned out to be a 3.05 carat aquamarine. The ring could not be repaired, so now she has a gold pendant. For more info follow fivebough .

Beryl Family Gemstones

Heliodor is a brilliant yellow color. It can be confused with Citrine, but again can be separated with measurement of refractive index. Goshenite is clear, and morganite, named for collector and banker J.P. Morgan, occurs as a pink stone, but can also be violet. Beryl makes a great stone to use in jewelry since it is hard and has indistinct cleavage.