What is beryl?

Beryl is a mineral composed of beryllium aluminium cyclosilicate with the chemical formula Be₃Al₂(SiO₃)₆. It is valued for both its gem-quality varieties and its significance as a source of beryllium. Beryl forms hexagonal crystals and can be found in a range of colors, each corresponding to a specific variety. Some of the most well-known gem varieties of beryl include:

1. Emerald: The deep green variety of beryl, which is highly prized as a gemstone. Its color is typically due to trace amounts of chromium or vanadium. Colombia, Zambia, and Brazil are major sources of high-quality emeralds.

2. Aquamarine: Known for its blue to blue-green color, aquamarine is a popular gemstone. The color is usually attributed to iron content. Major aquamarine deposits are found in Brazil, Madagascar, and Nigeria.

3. Morganite: This pink to orange-pink beryl gets its color from manganese. Morganite is sourced mainly from Brazil and Madagascar.

4. Heliodor: The yellow to golden variety of beryl, generally owing its color to iron impurities. Heliodor is less commonly used as a gemstone, but can still be found in Brazil, Madagascar, and Ukraine.

5. Goshenite: The colorless variety of beryl, which is less known as a gemstone due to its lack of color. It is found in various locations, including Brazil and the United States.

Aside from its ornamental uses, beryl is important in industrial applications because it is one of the primary ores of beryllium. Beryllium is used in aerospace, nuclear, and electronic industries due to its properties, such as low density, high melting point, and rigidity.

In terms of physical properties, beryl is a hard mineral with a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8, and it has a vitreous luster. Beryl crystals can be quite large, and they are often well-formed hexagonal prisms.

Beryl's occurrence is mainly associated with granitic pegmatites but it can also be found in mica schists and, notable varieties like emerald, in hydrothermal veins. Collectors often value larger or more uniquely colored crystals.