Beryl
Image: Robert M. Lavinsky (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameBeryl
Chemical FormulaBe3Al2Si6O18
Mohs Hardness7.5
Crystal Systemhexagonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageimperfect on {0001}
Fractureconchoidal to uneven
Specific Gravity2.65
Colorsgreen, blue, yellow, pink, colorless, red, pale greenish-yellow
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityShengus (Shingus), Haramosh Mts., Skardu District, Baltistan, Northern Areas, Pakistan
Mineral GroupSilicates (Cyclosilicates)
Usesjewelry, industrial (beryllium source), collector
Associated Mineralsquartz, feldspar, muscovite, tourmaline, garnet, topaz
Rarityuncommon
Description
The image displays a well-formed, pale greenish-yellow hexagonal prismatic crystal of beryl, exhibiting good transparency and a vitreous luster.
Geological Context
Beryl commonly forms in granitic pegmatites, high-temperature hydrothermal veins, and some metamorphic rocks, often associated with late-stage magmatic processes.
