Beryl
“One mineral, many gemstones”
Mineral
Beryl is a beryllium aluminum cyclosilicate mineral that in its pure form is colorless, but trace impurities create some of the world's most beloved gemstones. Chromium gives emerald its green, iron creates blue aquamarine, and manganese produces pink morganite — all from the same mineral species.
Composition
beryllium aluminum cyclosilicate (Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈)
Where Found
Colombia (emerald), Brazil (aquamarine), Pakistan (emerald), Madagascar (morganite), Ural Mountains (Russia)
Mohs Hardness
7.5-8
Fun Fact
The largest gem-quality beryl crystal ever found weighed 18 tons and was discovered in Madagascar — it measured over 18 meters long.
Test Your Knowledge
What trace impurity creates the deep green colour of emerald, beryl's most valuable variety?
Photo Attribution
Related Specimens
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