mineral
Likely aquamarine-bearing beryl fragment
Beryl, Be3Al2Si6O18; blue color from iron impurities
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectSmall translucent blue-green fragment with a vitreous luster; beryl is hexagonal, Mohs hardness 7.5–8, and has poor-to-indistinct cleavage. The blurry image prevents confident assessment of crystal form or specific gravity.
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Physical properties
Small translucent blue-green fragment with a vitreous luster; beryl is hexagonal, Mohs hardness 7.5–8, and has poor-to-indistinct cleavage. The blurry image prevents confident assessment of crystal form or specific gravity.
Formation & geological history
Forms in granite pegmatites and hydrothermal veins as magma cools, commonly in Precambrian to younger granitic systems. A natural fragment may have broken from a prismatic crystal or been lightly shaped.
Uses & applications
Gem-quality aquamarine is cut for jewelry; ordinary beryl is mainly a collector specimen and minor beryllium ore. This small piece has little industrial value.
Geological facts
Aquamarine is the blue to blue-green gem variety of beryl; deeper blue color generally increases value. Heat treatment is common in commercial gems, though not evident here.
Field identification & locations
Look for a distinctly blue-green color, glassy luster, hardness sufficient to scratch ordinary glass, and—when present—hexagonal prismatic faces. Common sources include Brazil, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Madagascar, Nigeria, and Colorado, USA.
