mineral
Raw pale-green beryl (likely aquamarine)
Beryl, Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈; blue-green variety is aquamarine
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectPale blue-green, translucent, with vitreous luster and probable hexagonal crystal structure; hardness 7.5–8 Mohs, no obvious cleavage, specific gravity about 2.7. The irregular broken surface prevents confident distinction from similar quartz or calcite.
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Physical properties
Pale blue-green, translucent, with vitreous luster and probable hexagonal crystal structure; hardness 7.5–8 Mohs, no obvious cleavage, specific gravity about 2.7. The irregular broken surface prevents confident distinction from similar quartz or calcite.
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal cavities and granitic pegmatites when beryllium-bearing fluids crystallize; most specimens are Precambrian to Mesozoic, depending on locality. Common sources include Brazil, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Madagascar, Nigeria, and Russia.
Uses & applications
Gem-quality aquamarine is cut for jewelry; poorer material is collected as a mineral specimen. Beryl is also an important historical source of beryllium for specialty alloys and aerospace materials.
Geological facts
Aquamarine’s blue-green color commonly comes from iron impurities. The pictured piece is too small and uncrystallized for a definitive gem-grade identification from an image alone.
Field identification & locations
Test for hardness by seeing whether it can scratch glass, inspect for hexagonal prismatic faces, and compare specific gravity; acid reaction would suggest calcite instead. Look for beryl in pegmatite zones rather than ordinary sediment.
