gemstone
Heliodor (Yellow Beryl)
Beryl (Be3Al2Si6O18 with iron impurities)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7.5-8.0 (Mohs). Color: Pale yellow to golden yellow. Luster: Vitreous. Crystal Structure: Hexagonal. Specific Gravity: 2.63-2.90. Cleavage: Imperfect basal.
- Hardness
- 7
- Color
- Pale yellow to golden yellow
- Luster
- Vitreous
Identified More gemstone →
Explore Heliodor (Yellow Beryl) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7.5-8.0 (Mohs). Color: Pale yellow to golden yellow. Luster: Vitreous. Crystal Structure: Hexagonal. Specific Gravity: 2.63-2.90. Cleavage: Imperfect basal.
Formation & geological history
Heliodor forms in granitic pegmatites and metamorphic rocks like mica schists. The yellow color is caused by trace amounts of Iron (Fe3+) ions replacing aluminum in the crystal lattice.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a gemstone in high-end jewelry and as a sought-after mineral specimen for collectors.
Geological facts
The name 'Heliodor' is derived from the Greek words 'helios' (sun) and 'doron' (gift). It is in the same mineral family as Emerald and Aquamarine.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its high hardness, hexagonal crystal habits (when raw), and pale yellow color. Commonly found in Brazil, Namibia, Madagascar, and Russia.
More like this
Other gemstone specimens
Ammolite
Ammolite (Biogenic Aragonite with trace elements; fossils of Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare)
mineral
Gemstone Ring
N/A - Set piece of jewelry, likely Amethyst or Garnet with Diamond or CZ
gemstone
Amber
Succinite (Organic Gemstone)
mineral
Diamond and Gold Jewelry
Carbon (Diamond) / Au (Gold)
gemstone
Red Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions
sedimentary
Cubic Zirconia (simulant) or Diamond
ZrO2 (Cubic Zirconia) or C (Diamond)
gemstone