Rock Identifier
Beryl (var. Heliodor or Aquamarine) (Beryllium Aluminum Cyclosilicate (Be3Al2Si6O18)) — mineral
mineral

Beryl (var. Heliodor or Aquamarine)

Beryllium Aluminum Cyclosilicate (Be3Al2Si6O18)

Hardness: 7.5-8 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale yellowish-green to bluish; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Poor/Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 2.63-2.90.

Hardness
7
Color
Pale yellowish-green to bluish
Luster
Vitreous (glassy)
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Physical properties

Hardness: 7.5-8 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale yellowish-green to bluish; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Poor/Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 2.63-2.90.

Formation & geological history

Typically formed in granitic pegmatites or hydrothermal veins where beryllium is present. Can also be found in metamorphic schists. Often associated with quartz and feldspar.

Uses & applications

Primary source of beryllium metal for aerospace and nuclear industries; high-quality specimens are used as gemstones in jewelry; popular among mineral collectors.

Geological facts

The name 'beryl' comes from the Greek word 'beryllos', which refers to a precious blue-green color-of-sea-water stone. Pure beryl is colorless, but impurities create various gemstone varieties including Emerald and Morganite.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its high hardness (it will scratch glass/quartz) and its characteristic hexagonal crystal habit when well-formed. This specimen appears to be a lower-grade, rough matrix-associated beryl from a pegmatite environment.

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