mineral
Green beryl (likely aquamarine-grade beryl)
Beryl, Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈; blue-green color is caused mainly by iron
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 7.5–8; pale blue-green, vitreous to waxy luster, hexagonal crystal structure, and poor/indistinct cleavage. The specimen appears heavily fractured and naturally weathered or rough-polished.
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Physical properties
Hardness 7.5–8; pale blue-green, vitreous to waxy luster, hexagonal crystal structure, and poor/indistinct cleavage. The specimen appears heavily fractured and naturally weathered or rough-polished.
Formation & geological history
Beryl crystallizes in cavities and pegmatites from late-stage granitic magmas, commonly during the Precambrian to Phanerozoic. Its color reflects trace iron; exact locality and age cannot be determined from the image.
Uses & applications
Transparent gem-quality material is cut as aquamarine; opaque or fractured pieces are chiefly collector specimens, with beryl also used as a minor beryllium ore.
Geological facts
Aquamarine is the blue to blue-green gem variety of beryl, while pale green material may be called green beryl or heliodor-related beryl depending on its hue and chemistry. It can resemble prehnite, chrysoprase, or pale fluorite.
Field identification & locations
Look for a glassy luster, high hardness, hexagonal prismatic habit, and distinctive blue-green color; a hardness or refractive-index test is needed for confirmation. Common sources include Brazil, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Madagascar, Russia, and the United States.
