mineral
Aquamarine on Feldspar Matrix
Beryl (Be3Al2Si6O18) with Potassium Feldspar (KAlSi3O8)
Hardness: 7.5-8 (Beryl), 6 (Feldspar). Color: Pale blue to sea-foam green crystal on white/cream base. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Hexagonal (Beryl), Monoclinic/Triclinic (Feldspar). Cleavage: Imperfect (Beryl), Perfect in two directions (Feldspar).
- Hardness
- 7
- Color
- Pale blue to sea-foam green crystal on white/cream base
- Luster
- Vitreous to pearly
Identified More mineral →
Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7.5-8 (Beryl), 6 (Feldspar). Color: Pale blue to sea-foam green crystal on white/cream base. Luster: Vitreous to pearly. Crystal structure: Hexagonal (Beryl), Monoclinic/Triclinic (Feldspar). Cleavage: Imperfect (Beryl), Perfect in two directions (Feldspar).
Formation & geological history
Formed in granitic pegmatites. These are igneous rocks that cool slowly, allowing for the growth of large, high-quality crystals. Common geological ages range from the Paleozoic to the Cenozoic, depending on the specific mountain-building event.
Uses & applications
Larger gem-quality crystals are faceted for high-end jewelry. Matrix specimens like this are primarily used for mineral collecting and decor. Minor industrial use of beryl as an ore of beryllium.
Geological facts
Aquamarine gets its name from the Latin 'aqua marina' meaning sea water. The presence of trace amounts of iron (Fe2+) gives it its characteristic blue color. Some of the world's most famous aquamarine specimens are found in the Minas Gerais region of Brazil and the mountains of Pakistan.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by the distinct hexagonal (six-sided) prism shape of the blue crystal and its hardness (it will scratch glass). Commonly found in high-altitude pegmatite veins in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Brazil, and the Ural Mountains. When collecting, look for minerals like quartz, tourmaline, and mica which often occur together.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
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](https://media.rockidentification.com/2391a63f-fb20-47d5-af9a-2035851eb32e-thumbnail.jpg)
Green Apatite on Albite
Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]
mineral
Epidote
Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)
mineral