mineral
Beryl (Aquamarine)
Be3Al2Si6O18
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7.5-8 on Mohs scale; Color: Light blue to greenish-blue (aquamarine); Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Imperfect/Poor; Specific Gravity: 2.63 - 2.80.
- Hardness
- 7
- Color
- Light blue to greenish-blue (aquamarine)
- Luster
- Vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7.5-8 on Mohs scale; Color: Light blue to greenish-blue (aquamarine); Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Imperfect/Poor; Specific Gravity: 2.63 - 2.80.
Formation & geological history
Found in granitic pegmatites and hydrothermal veins. They form as magma cools slowly deep in the Earth's crust, allowing large crystals to grow over millions of years.
Uses & applications
Primary source of beryllium metal for aerospace and defense industries; high-quality specimens are cut into gemstones for jewelry; also a popular specimen for mineral collectors.
Geological facts
The blue color of aquamarine is caused by trace amounts of ferrous iron (Fe2+). It is the official state gem of Colorado and the birthstone for March.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its hardness (will scratch glass), hexagonal crystal habit, and distinct pale blue coloration. Common locations include Brazil, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Mozambique.
