mineral

Beryl (Aquamarine) in Matrix with Schorl

Be3Al2Si6O18 (Beryl) with NaFe3Al6(BO3)3Si6O18(OH)4 (Schorl)

Hardness: 7.5-8 (Beryl), 7 (Schorl); Color: Pale blue-green (Beryl) and Black (Schorl); Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Imperfect/Basal

Hardness: 7
Color: Pale blue-green (Beryl) and Black (Schorl)
Luster: Vitreous

Identified March 4, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7.5-8 (Beryl), 7 (Schorl); Color: Pale blue-green (Beryl) and Black (Schorl); Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Imperfect/Basal

Formation & geological history

Formed in granitic pegmatites through hydrothermal activity and slow cooling of magma, often found in high-pressure metamorphic environments.

Uses & applications

Used primarily as gemstones (Aquamarine), as a source of beryllium for aerospace and electronics, and as high-demand collector mineral specimens.

Geological facts

Beryl is the primary source of the element Beryllium. The black tourmaline inclusions (Schorl) are often found alongside Beryl in Brazilian and Pakistani pegmatites.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by the hexagonal crystal habit and extreme hardness. Look for a glassy appearance and lack of reaction to acid. Common locations include Brazil, Pakistan, and the Ural Mountains.

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