Collection: Heliodorus

Heliodor is a gemstone belonging to the beryl family , along with emerald and aquamarine. Its name comes from the Greek hēlios (sun) and dōron (gift), literally meaning "gift of the sun" , in reference to its bright yellow color.

✦ Characteristics of heliodor:

• Color: Golden yellow to greenish yellow. Its color is due to the presence of iron in its composition.

• Hardness: Between 7.5 and 8 on the Mohs scale, which makes it a relatively resistant stone.

• Transparency: Generally transparent to translucent.

• Luster: Vitreous.

• Chemical formula: Be₃Al₂(SiO₃)₆ — same formula as all beryls, but with trace elements that affect color.

✦ Origin and deposits:

Heliodor is mainly extracted from:

• Brazil

• Namibia

• Madagascar

• Ukraine

• Russia

The Volodarsk-Volynskii deposit in Ukraine is particularly famous for its large and beautifully colored crystals.

✦ Use:

• In jewelry , heliodor is cut into faceted stones for rings, pendants, etc.

• In lithotherapy , it is said to have virtues linked to mental clarity, self-confidence and solar energy. It is supposed to strengthen willpower and creativity.

✦ Difference with other beryls:

• Emerald: green (chromium/vanadium)

• Aquamarine: light blue (weakly oxidized iron)

• Morganite: pink (manganese)

• Bixbite: red (very rare)

• Heliodor: yellow (iron in higher oxidation)