Collection: Beryls

Beryls are a group of minerals well-known in gemology, belonging to the silicate family. Their general chemical formula is Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈ , which means they are composed of beryllium, aluminum, silica, and oxygen. What makes beryls particularly interesting is their wide variety of colors, due to specific impurities in their crystal structure.

Here is an overview of the main varieties of beryl:

🌿 Emerald (green)

• Color: Intense green to bluish green

• Impurities: Chromium and/or vanadium

• Characteristics: Highly prized as a gemstone. Emerald is often included (has internal cracks), which is accepted in trade.

• Famous origin: Colombia, Zambia, Brazil

💙 Aquamarine (blue)

• Color: Pale blue to blue-green

• Impurities: Iron (Fe²⁺)

• Characteristics: Transparent, often well formed into elongated crystals.

• Famous origin: Brazil, Pakistan, Madagascar

🌸 Morganite (pink)

• Color: Pale pink to salmon pink

• Impurities: Manganese

• Characteristics: Highly prized in jewelry for its soft color.

• Famous origin: Madagascar, Afghanistan

🟡 Heliodor (yellow)

• Color: Light yellow to golden yellow

• Impurities: Iron (Fe³⁺)

• Characteristics: Less known but used in jewelry.

🟢 Green Beryl

• Color: Pale to medium green

• Impurities: Iron

• Note: Differs from emerald in its lighter, less saturated hue.

🤍 Goshenite (colorless)

• Color: Transparent

• Characteristics: Sometimes used as an imitation of diamond or to make lenses.

• Name: From Goshen, Massachusetts (USA)

General properties

• Crystal system: Hexagonal

• Hardness (Mohs scale): 7.5 to 8

• Cleavage: Indistinct

• Use: Jewelry, mineralogical collection