Beryl
In 1798, French chemist Vauquelin discovered the element Be and named the mineral Beryl. Later, it was found that Emerald and Aquamarine were also the same Beryl, and various gemstone names are used depending on their colors.
A representative mineral group with various names based on its diverse colors.
Basic Information
| English Name | Beryl |
|---|---|
| Japanese Name | Ryokuchuseki (Green Columnar Stone) |
| Chemical Formula | Al2Be3[Si6O18] |
| Classification | Hexagonal crystal system |
| Hardness | 7.5–8 |
| Specific Gravity | 2.78 |
| Transparency | — |
Major Gemstones & Varieties
- Major Gemstones: Emerald (Vivid deep green due to Cr), Aquamarine (Sea blue due to Fe), Green Beryl (Pale blue-green due to Fe), Yellow Beryl (Pale yellow due to Fe), Golden Beryl (Orange-yellow due to Fe), Heliodor (Pale yellow-green due to Fe), Morganite (Pale pink due to Mn), Red Beryl (Red due to high Mn content), Vanadium Beryl (Green to vivid green due to V), Goshenite (Colorless Beryl).
- Cat's Eye Beryl: Stones with tubular inclusions developed along the columnar direction of the crystal.
- Cesium Beryl: Contains Cs (usually colorless to pink).
- Parti-colored Beryl: Stones with repeating color bands within a single crystal.
Trade Names, Treatments, Imitations & Related Info
Trade/Commercial Names: Red Emerald (Red Beryl from Utah, USA, is sometimes called this to associate it with Emerald).
Treatments: Heat treatment (heating yellow- or green-tinted Aquamarine or Heliodor to change the valence of Fe and turn it blue), Irradiation (changing blue stones to yellow or brownish), Impregnation/Dyeing (using oils or resins to mask fractures or add color).
Imitations: Due to its wide color variation, there are many look-alikes. Specifically, Topaz (blue types) and Aquamarine are very similar.
Related Info: Various colors of Beryl are now synthesized using hydrothermal and flux methods. Red Beryl, produced only in Utah, is sometimes referred to by the synonym Bixbite. As Beryllium is highly toxic, caution is required during processing and handling.
Note: Some stones are prone to treatments such as impregnation or dyeing. Always check for treatment information upon purchase and exercise caution with ultrasonic cleaning or chemical use.