Information
INTRODUCING BERYL
The Beryl gem group is one of the world’s largest, and most important, groups of minerals.
Naturally colourless, it’s certainly abundant, but quite rare in its transparent Arguably the most well-known member of the family is the Emerald, which holds a dazzling, deep green colour that has fascinated humankind throughout the ages. Blue Aquamarine is also highly regarded, and other variations include Golden Beryl (sometimes known as ‘heliodor’), pink ‘Morganite’ and red ‘Bixbite’ Beryl – which is undoubtedly the rarest variety.
Colouring agents and trace impurities gift Beryl it’s many colour variations. Without these change agent the gem would be rather except for its extraordinary hardness – which sets it apart from other similar gemstones including Quartz and Imperial Topaz.
Beryl
COLOUR, CLARITY & CUT
In addition to the hues named above, Golden Beryl – or heliodor – displays a vivid lemon-lime deep gold colour. In addition, it is worth noting that Beryl specimens which do not have the deep green hues necessary to be classified as Emeralds are instead named ‘Green Beryl’.
This stone naturally occurs in a wide range of clarities – from opaque to transparent. When Beryl has been carefully cut and polished, these stones hold lustre – particularly Golden Beryl.
Beryl is typically faceted to ‘show-off’ its brilliance, and is available in a variety of shapes and cutting styles, ranging from the traditional (including ovals and pears) to the exotic (such as the checkerboard) or Portuguese cuts.
BERYL GEMSTONES PROPERTY
| Chemical Formula: | Al2Be3Si6O18, Aluminum beryllium silicate |
| Crystal Structure: | Hexagonal, hexagonal prisms |
| Color: | Emerald green, slightly yellowish green |
| Hardness: | 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale |
| Refractive Index: | 1.565 to 1.602 |
| Density: | 2.67 to 2.78 |
| Cleavage: | Indistinct |
| Transparency: | Transparent to opaque |
| Double Refraction / Birefringence: | -0.006 |
| Luster: | Vitreous to waxy |
| Fluorescence: | Typically none |
VALUE
The prices of Beryl stones span the gauntlet. The two key variable factors are the size of the stone, and the quality of its transparency or deepness of hue. Yet undoubtable it is Red Beryl, known in the trade as Bixbite, which commands the highest sums in this gemstone family. Bixbite stones have only been found in two locations in the world; both within Utah in the USA. Visit our dubai online shopping and we can assist you with the right information about the value of Beryl and about any other gold stones.
ORIGIN & IMITATIONS
The highest quality Beryl specimens are usually found in Brazil, and exhibit a high level of clarity in larger-than-average sizes.
Aquamarine, the birthstone for March, is sourced mainly from Brazil – but also from Karur in India. Other significant sources include – in no particular order – Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Namibia and Nigeria
NAME, FAME & LEGEND
The major deposit of Golden Beryl was exposed in 1913 within Namibia. Unearthed by a German mining company, this precious gem was baptized ‘heliodor’ – meaning ‘a gift from the sun’ in Greek The then King of Prussia, Kaiser Wilhem II, soon directed Lucas von Cranach – one of the most prestigious jewelers designers of his time – to create a set of jewellery fit from these fantastic stones. After this point, Golden Beryl was firmly entrenched in the gemstone hall of fame.
One of earth’s largest and most exquisite specimens is a 2,054 carat unblemished, golden-coloured Beryl, which is currently housed in the Smithsonian Institution in the USA.
