mineral

Raw aquamarine-bearing beryl

Beryl, Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈; blue-green color is caused mainly by iron impurities

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically pale blue-green, vitreous to pearly, with hexagonal crystals and indistinct cleavage; Mohs hardness 7.5–8, specific gravity about 2.63–2.80. The specimen appears as a rough, massive or poorly formed crystalline aggregate, so color alone is not diagnostic.

Identified August 15, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Forms in granitic pegmatites and hydrothermal veins during late-stage crystallization of granite, commonly in Precambrian to Phanerozoic terrains. Associated minerals may include quartz, feldspar, mica, and tourmaline.

Uses & applications

Gem-quality transparent aquamarine is cut for jewelry; opaque or fractured material is mainly used as a mineral specimen or lapidary rough. Beryl is also an important beryllium ore, though this small specimen has negligible industrial value.

Geological facts

Aquamarine is the blue to blue-green gem variety of beryl; heat treatment can intensify blue color. Beryl’s hexagonal crystal structure is responsible for its characteristic prismatic crystals.

Field identification & locations

Check for a pale blue-green hue, glassy luster, hardness, and hexagonal crystal faces; quartz is softer and lacks beryl’s typical form. Common sources include Brazil, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Madagascar, Russia, and the United States.