mineral
Beryl
Beryllium Aluminum Silicate, Be3Al2(SiO3)6
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectMohs hardness 7.5 to 8, colors range from yellow to blue and green, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, poor basal cleavage, specific gravity 2.63 to 2.92.
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Physical properties
Mohs hardness 7.5 to 8, colors range from yellow to blue and green, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal system, poor basal cleavage, specific gravity 2.63 to 2.92.
Formation & geological history
Forms primarily in pegmatites, hydrothermal veins, and metamorphic greisens through the crystallization of beryllium-rich magma.
Uses & applications
Primary ore of beryllium metal, used in aerospace and electronics, and prized as a gemstone including varieties like emerald and aquamarine.
Geological facts
Beryl includes several famous gemstone varieties such as emerald (green) and aquamarine (blue). The yellow variety is known as heliodor.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinctive hexagonal crystal habit and high hardness. Commonly sourced from Brazil, Madagascar, and the United States.
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Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Tumbled granite
Granite, a coarse-grained felsic intrusive igneous rock
igneous
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous