Beryl
What is Beryl?

Beryl is a mineral that comes in various colors and is often found in Colombia, Brazil, and Russia. It’s primarily used as a gemstone and is popular for its range of colors including green, blue, and yellow.
Beryl is a versatile gemstone that comes in a range of colors including green, blue, and yellow. Its unique appearance and color make it a popular choice for jewelry and decorative items, especially beads and pendants.
Chemical Classification | Inorganic - Silicate (Beryl) |
Color | Varies by type: emerald (green), aquamarine (blue), morganite (pink), heliodor (yellow), and others. |
Streak | White |
Luster | Vitreous. |
Transparency | Typically transparent to translucent. |
Occurrence | Brazil, Colombia (especially for emeralds), and Madagascar. |
Formation | Beryl typically forms in pegmatites and certain metamorphic rocks. |
Diaphaneity | Transparent |
Cleavage | Perfect in one direction |
Mohs Hardness | 7.5 - 8. |
Specific Gravity | Approximately 2.63 - 2.91. |
Diagnostic Properties | Hexagonal crystals, various colors. |
Chemical Composition | Be3Al2(SiO3)6 |
Pleochroism | Weak to distinct, depending on the variety. |
Crystal System | Hexagonal |
Optical Properties | Biaxial (-) |
Refractive Index | 1.577 - 1.583 |
Birefringence | 0.006 |
2V angle | Measured: 58° to 63° |
Dispersion | 0.014. |