What makes Beryl so alluring?
- Chris & Lee Minturn
- Feb 16, 2022
- 2 min read
Updated: May 3
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.

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.
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