Heliodore
Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Mineral NameHeliodore
Chemical FormulaBe₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈
Mohs Hardness7.5
Crystal Systemhexagonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageimperfect basal {0001}
Fractureconchoidal
Specific Gravity2.69
Colorsgolden yellow, yellow, yellowish-green
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityKaroi (Urungwe; Hurungwe) District, Mashonaland West, Zimbabwe
Mineral GroupSilicates
Usesjewelry, collector, source of beryllium
Associated Mineralsquartz, feldspar, mica, tourmaline
Rarityuncommon
Description
This is a transparent, golden yellow crystal fragment of Heliodore, a variety of beryl, displaying internal striations and a blocky habit.
Geological Context
Heliodore typically forms in granitic pegmatites and hydrothermal veins, often associated with other pegmatitic minerals, crystallizing from late-stage magmatic fluids.
