mineral

Rough green beryl (possibly aquamarine)

Beryl, Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈; green color commonly from iron or chromium

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Pale green, translucent-to-opaque rough crystal with a vitreous luster. Beryl has a hexagonal crystal structure, Mohs hardness 7.5–8, and poor cleavage; the pictured piece is too small and irregular for confident identification by appearance alone.

Identified October 10, 2026More mineral →

Explore Rough green beryl (possibly aquamarine) in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Beryl crystallizes from silica-rich pegmatites and some hydrothermal veins as magma cools; such deposits occur across a wide range of geological ages.

Uses & applications

Gem-quality material is cut for jewelry; lower-grade beryl is collected as a mineral specimen. Beryl is also an important source of beryllium for specialized alloys and technology.

Geological facts

Aquamarine is blue to blue-green beryl, while emerald is chromium- or vanadium-colored green beryl; color alone cannot establish the variety.

Field identification & locations

Look for a glassy surface and hexagonal prismatic crystals, though this specimen’s shape is not diagnostic. Beryl occurs in pegmatites worldwide, including Brazil, Madagascar, and the United States; gem identification may require testing.