AllMineralsRock
Beryl
Beryl is a very popular gemstone composed of beryllium aluminium silicate. [1]
Beryl: Quick Facts and Characteristics
Some quick facts for Beryl:- Transparency: Beryl can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
- Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, beryl is hexagonal.
- Luster: In terms of luster, beryl is vitreous (glassy).
- Streak: Beryl streaks colorless.
- Hardness: Beryl's hardness ranges from 7.5 to 8 on the Moh's scale.
- Specific Gravity: Beryl's specific gravity ranges from 2.6 to 2.66.
Beryl: Background and Summary
Beryl is a mineral that belongs to the silicate family and is known for its hardness and transparency. It is usually found in granite and pegmatite rocks and is often associated with other minerals such as quartz, feldspar, and mica. Beryl has a hexagonal crystal structure and can come in a variety of colors, including blue, green, yellow, pink, and white.One of the ways to identify beryl is by its characteristic six-sided crystal shape. It also has a high hardness of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, which means it can scratch most other minerals except for diamond and corundum. Beryl's transparency and color can also help in its identification. For example, green beryl is often called emerald, while blue beryl is called aquamarine.
Beryl has many uses in different industries. One of its most well-known uses is in the jewelry industry, where it is used to make gemstones such as emeralds and aquamarines. Beryl is also used in the manufacturing of eyeglasses, as it has excellent optical properties. In addition, beryl is used in the production of ceramics, electrical components, and as a source of beryllium, which is used in the aerospace and nuclear industries.
Beryl: Table of Properties
| Attribute | Beryl (src) |
|---|---|
| Transparency | transparent, translucent, opaque |
| Chemical Formula | Be3Al2Si6O18 |
| Chemical Composition | beryllium aluminium silicate |
| Specific Gravity | 2.6, 2.66, 2.66, 2.68, 2.7, 2.71, 2.78, 2.8, 2.9, 2.9 |
| Hardness | 7.5, 8 |
| Streak | colorless |
| Crystallography | hexagonal |
| Refractive Index | 1.566, 1.602 |
| Hydrous | No |
| Colors | common: green, pink sometimes: blue, orange, yellow less common: red, black, brown, olive, white, purple, colorless |
| Category | cyclosilicate |
| Birefringence | δ = 0.0040–0.0070 |
| Fracture | 1: 1 |
Beryl: FAQ
Q: Is beryl a rare mineral?A: Beryl is not considered a rare mineral, but high-quality gemstones such as emeralds and aquamarines can be rare and valuable.
Q: Is beryl toxic?
A: Beryl itself is not toxic, but its main component, beryllium, can be toxic if inhaled in dust form.
Q: Can beryl be found worldwide?
A: Yes, beryl can be found in many countries worldwide, including Brazil, Colombia, Zambia, Madagascar, and the United States.
Sources
- "Beryl." Geology.com, https://geology.com/minerals/beryl.shtml.- "Beryl." Mindat.org, https://www.mindat.org/min-634.html.
- "Beryl." Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/science/beryl.
- Beryl: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beryl
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