What makes Beryl so alluring?

Beryl is one of my favourites; I find them mysterious and enchanting. This month, we will explore the species that gives us such intensely coloured gems like Aquamarine, Emerald, and Heliodor. Good quality, with or without inclusions that are affectionately called "jardin," this family of gems is sure to please.

The Allure of Generously Sized Gemstones

Generously sized gemstones create an alluring piece of jewellery, particularly when offset with colourless Diamonds. This exciting contrast of saturated colour makes the loveliest dialogue of light and dark colours that speak volumes, all captured in one glorious jewel.

The Crystal Structure of Precious Beryl

Precious Beryl has a hexagonal crystal structure and includes a few of our favourite gemstones: Aquamarine, Emerald, Heliodor, and Morganite, amongst others. Two factors define this mineral species: the chemical make-up and crystal habit. Precious Beryl has a chemical formula of (Be3AI2Si6O18), which means each molecule contains 3 Beryllium with other minerals (Aluminium, Silicon, and Oxygen).

Formation and Unique Colours

In addition to these minerals, the raw material needs all the right ingredients within the Earth's crust, trace elements, temperature, pressure, time, and space to grow. Variety is the spice of life, thus as a species, its unique intense colours contribute to its appeal.

Global Mining and Commercial Value

Natural gem-quality stones are mined across the globe, with several deposits producing very desirable gems that command significant commercial values. Fine gems are produced from Brazil and Columbia, the Urals, Myanmar, India, China, across Africa, and the US. Mines east of the Aswan, Egypt, were mined in ancient times producing fine material; however, this is no longer the case.

Jewels created by Peter Minturn

Aquamarine Gems are brittle

Most desirable colours: bright sky blue to dark blues

Has a wonderful property of Pleochroism; appearing to change from blue

to colourless if the gem is viewed from different angles

Commonly occur with few-no inclusions

Usually presented in Emerald step-cut, Brilliant or Fancy-cuts

Colour may be improved with irradiation, but it is not permanent

Colour is improved with heat treating, & is permanent

Emerald Gems are brittle

Most desirable colours: Rich green

Only the finest specimens are transparent

Occurs with inclusions. These are known as "jardin" (garden). Inclusions can

be used to identify the geographic origin

Usually presented in Emerald step-cut, or cabochon

Commonly cracks or fissures may be hidden with oiling (Cedarwood oil),

which is not permanent

Heliodor Gems are brittle

Most desirable colours: Yellow-green, golden yellow

Commonly occur with few-no inclusions

Usually presented in Brilliant or Fancy-cuts

Morganite Gems are brittle

Most desirable colours: Soft pink – salmon pink, Violet pink

Commonly occur with few-no inclusions

Usually presented in Brilliant or Fancy-cuts

Colour is improved with heat treating, & is permanent

Other Beryl gemstones that are not commonly available in Aotearoa New Zealand are Pale Green Beryl, Goshenite (colourless), & the rare Bixbite (raspberry), all of these exceptional gems are on my wish list too, (albeit wishful thinking)!

If you found my journal note on Beryl interesting, we'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Additionally, if you are looking for a quality Emerald, we can source these and design a bespoke jewel especially for you.