mineral
Beryl (likely Aquamarine or Heliodor variant)
Beryllium aluminum silicate (Be3Al2Si6O18)
Hardness: 7.5-8.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale greenish-yellow; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Imperfect/Poor; Specific Gravity: 2.63-2.90
- Hardness
- 7
- Color
- Pale greenish-yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7.5-8.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Pale greenish-yellow; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Imperfect/Poor; Specific Gravity: 2.63-2.90
Formation & geological history
Formed in granitic pegmatites and metamorphic hydrothermal veins where beryllium is present. Often found alongside quartz, feldspar, and mica.
Uses & applications
Main source of beryllium for aerospace and defense industries; high-quality specimens used as gemstones (Aquamarine/Heliodor/Emerald); crystal healing collecting.
Geological facts
Beryl is colorless when pure; the pale green/yellow tint in this specimen is caused by trace amounts of iron. It is highly resistant to chemical corrosion.
Field identification & locations
Identify in the field by its high hardness (scratches glass/quartz) and hexagonal cross-section. Commonly found in pegmatite districts like Brazil, Pakistan, and the Ural Mountains.
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