ber·yl | ˈber-əl
noun
A mineral consisting of a silicate of beryllium and aluminum of great hardness that occurs in colorless hexagonal prisms when pure and in various colors such as: green, blue, yellow, or pink, when not pure
This rare silicate mineral is found in igneous and metamorphic rocks throughout the world. Consisting of beryllium and aluminum and being very hard and strong, pure beryl is found as colorless, hexagonal prisms. When not pure, beryl is found in a rainbow full of colors including green, blue, yellow, and pink. The most popular varieties of beryl in the world today include emerald (which is green), aquamarine (which is greenish blue to blue), heliodor (which is yellow to yellowish green), and morganite (which is pink to orange). Beryl is used as a common gemstone in a variety of different modern pieces of jewelry, including rings, bracelets, necklaces, broaches, and earrings. As such, the most important physical property of beryl is its color. Additionally, the quality and saturation of a beryl’s color will have a meaningful impact on each gemstone’s pricing. Clarity is also an important physical property, with transparent gems of perfect clarity being more desired and valuable.
