Aquamarine, a blue-green variety of beryl from Tanzania. Specimen is approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters) across.
Uses
Gemstones, the primary ore of beryllium.
Color
bluish green, light yellow, golden yellow, pink, white, colorless
Streak
colorless
Luster
vitreous
Diaphaneity
transparent to translucent
Cleavage
imperfect
Luster
vitreous
Hardness
7.5 - 8
Specific Gravity
2.6 - 2.8
Distinguishing Characteristics
hexagonal crystal form, green color, hardness
Crystal System
hexagonal
Chemical Classification
silicate
Chemical Composition
beryllium aluminum silicate , Be3Al2Si6O18
Beryl is a transparent rock that comes in the colors of green, blue yellow, colorless, and red. "Beryl" comes from the Greek word "beryllos" which means "precious blue-green color of sea water stone". Some minerals that are beryl include Aquamarine, Emerald.
Yellow beryl from Minas Gerais, Brazil. Specimens are approximately 1/4 inch to 5/8 inch (.64 centimeter to 1.6 centimeters) across
Beryl from Bedford, New York. Specimen is approximately 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) across
Beryl crystal in pegmatite from Quadville, Ontario, Canada. Specimen is approximately 3 inches (7.6 centimeters) across.
Morganite, a pink variety of barite from Minas Gerais, Brazil. Specimen is approximately 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) across
Cesium-bearing beryl from Madagascar. Specimen is approximately 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) across.