mineral

Beryl (Aquamarine)

Beryllium aluminum silicate (Be3Al2Si6O18)

Hardness: 7.5-8 on Mohs scale; Color: pale blue to greenish-blue; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Imperfect basal; Specific gravity: 2.63-2.80.

Hardness: 7
Color: pale blue to greenish-blue
Luster: Vitreous to pearly

Identified June 22, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 7.5-8 on Mohs scale; Color: pale blue to greenish-blue; Luster: Vitreous to pearly; Crystal structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Imperfect basal; Specific gravity: 2.63-2.80.

Formation & geological history

Commonly formed in granitic pegmatites and hydrothermal veins. Crystals grow in cavities where mineral-rich fluids cool slowly, allowing for large hexagonal shapes.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a gemstone (jewelry) when transparent; opaque specimens are used as a source of beryllium metal for aerospace and electronics industries.

Geological facts

The blue color in aquamarine is caused by trace amounts of ferrous iron (Fe2+). It is the official state gem of Colorado.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its hexagonal crystal habit, hardness (it will scratch glass and quartz), and specific pale blue-green hue. Commonly found in Brazil, Pakistan, and Madagascar.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral