mineral
Possible aquamarine (beryl) crystal fragment
Beryl, Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈; green-blue color may indicate aquamarine
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectPale blue-green, translucent, vitreous luster, with an elongated prismatic form; beryl has hexagonal crystals and Mohs hardness 7.5–8. The photo alone cannot confirm its identity or reliably assess cleavage and specific gravity.
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Physical properties
Pale blue-green, translucent, vitreous luster, with an elongated prismatic form; beryl has hexagonal crystals and Mohs hardness 7.5–8. The photo alone cannot confirm its identity or reliably assess cleavage and specific gravity.
Formation & geological history
Beryl crystallizes in pegmatites and some hydrothermal veins as magma cools; specimens may be millions to billions of years old, depending on the deposit.
Uses & applications
Gem-quality aquamarine is cut for jewelry; common beryl is also collected as a mineral specimen.
Geological facts
Aquamarine is the blue to blue-green gem variety of beryl; green beryl is generally not classified as aquamarine.
Field identification & locations
Check for a hexagonal prism, glassy luster, and hardness that resists scratching by quartz. Beryl occurs in pegmatites worldwide, including Brazil, Madagascar, and Pakistan.
