mineral
Red Beryl in Rhyolite
Beryllium Aluminum Cyclosilicate with Quartz/Feldspar matrix (Be3Al2Si6O18)
Hardness: 7.5-8 on Mohs scale; Color: Distinctive raspberry red to crimson; Luster: Vitreous to sub-resinous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Poor/indistinct; Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.9
- Hardness
- 7
- Color
- Distinctive raspberry red to crimson
- Luster
- Vitreous to sub-resinous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7.5-8 on Mohs scale; Color: Distinctive raspberry red to crimson; Luster: Vitreous to sub-resinous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Poor/indistinct; Specific Gravity: 2.6-2.9
Formation & geological history
Formed in topaz-bearing rhyolite cavities and gas pockets via pneumatolytic activity at high temperatures and low pressures, typically during the Miocene epoch.
Uses & applications
Extremely rare gemstone highly prized by collectors and jewelers, often kept in its natural rhyolite matrix.
Geological facts
Red beryl is found in gem-grade quality in very few places worldwide, most notably the Wah Wah Mountains of Utah, making it significantly rarer than diamond.
Field identification & locations
Easily identified by its vivid red hexagonal crystals embedded in a light-colored, fine-grained rhyolite or quartz-rich matrix. Common in the Thomas Range and Wah Wah Mountains of Utah.
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