mineral

Beryl (Aquamarine)

Beryllium Aluminum Cyclosilicate (Be3Al2Si6O18)

Hardness: 7.5-8.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale greenish-blue; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Prismatic; Cleavage: Imperfect basal; Specific gravity: 2.63-2.80

Hardness: 7
Color: Pale greenish-blue
Luster: Vitreous

Identified March 4, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

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

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 7.5-8.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale greenish-blue; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal structure: Hexagonal/Prismatic; Cleavage: Imperfect basal; Specific gravity: 2.63-2.80

Formation & geological history

Formed in granitic pegmatites and hydrothermal veins through the cooling of magma rich in beryllium and volatile fluids; typically found in igneous environments.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as a gemstone in jewelry (aquamarine) and as an ore for beryllium metal used in aerospace, defense, and telecommunications industries.

Geological facts

Aquamarine is the birthstone for March and means 'water of the sea' in Latin. Large, high-quality crystals are highly sought after by museums and private collectors.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hexagonal prismatic crystal habit and pale blue-green color. Commonly found in Brazil, Pakistan, and the Ural Mountains. Hardness helps distinguish it from softer lookalikes like apatite.

Other mineral specimens

See all

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

Epidote

Epidote - Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)3(SiO4)3(OH)

mineral