mineral

Red Beryl in Rhyolite

Beryllium Aluminum Cyclosilicate with Quartz/Feldspar matrix (Be3Al2Si6O18)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

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

Identified August 6, 2026More mineral →

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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.