Beryl is a stone of the noble family: properties and compatibility

Beryl is a unique mineral. Its name means both a separate type of semi-precious and precious stones and a whole family, which includes emeralds, aquamarines and other famous gems. Jewelry with beryl is quite affordable, as it is one of the most sought-after materials in the jewelry industry. Products with it can be found on women, men and children. They are very diverse, both in terms of design and in the changing appearance of the gem.

Jewelry stone beryl

The beryl stone dates back to the times of Ancient Greece, Egypt and India. The blue-green rough stone is often confused with emerald and aquamarine, although they are just varieties of this mineral.

The gem got its name from the Latin “berrilus”, which means “sea green stone”. This is truly the most common shade of this natural material. Such an unusual color is given to it by impurities of iron and manganese. However, in addition to azure, beryls are found in yellow, green, red and even white.

Most jewelers by beryl mean a golden-yellow variety of stone with acceptable inclusions of green. This type belongs to the precious class stones and is only slightly inferior in price to its closest “relative” – emerald.

The main deposits of the mineral are found in Colombia, Brazil, the East Indies and Mozambique. In Russia, noble varieties are mined in the Urals and the Kola Peninsula.

Ordinary beryl has a paler color and increased transparency. The mines for their development are located in Europe: in France, Sweden and Bavaria.

Common beryl is a natural raw material for the formation of beryllium - one of the most valuable and expensive metals. Due to its low weight and high strength, it is actively used in the nuclear and space industries.

History of the mineral

In the Middle East, beryl has been known for six thousand years. The tombs of kings and temples were decorated with stone from the inside. Ancient Egypt primarily used yellow beryl, but it is unknown where exactly the Egyptians mined it. Perhaps the mines were located on the territory of present-day Somalia or Ethiopia, but now nothing is known about mineral deposits in North Africa.

They knew about the precious stone beryl in ancient India. One way or another, its name is known in Sanskrit. Together with Indian traders, both the mineral and the word “beryllos” came to Europe. In the ancient world, this was the name given to any transparent gemstone of a green or blue hue. The ancient Greeks and Romans, of course, could not understand the subtleties of the chemical structure, and therefore were unable to distinguish silicate from quartz.

Modern jewelers generally believe that beryl is a golden-colored gemstone from the silicate family. And other varieties of crystal have their own names. For example, green beryl is called emerald. This classification arose already in modern times.

Varieties

Some “derivatives” of beryl are better known than the mineral itself. Thus, the following types belong to the premium segment:

1. Emerald. A class I gemstone with a palette from turquoise to rich dark green. One of the most expensive minerals in the jewelry industry, along with diamond and sapphire.
2. Bixbit or red emerald. An even rarer type of emerald. It is found extremely rarely in nature and is sold only at the world's leading auctions. All jewelry with it is individual and made to order.
3. Morganite. A rare stone with a unique peachy pink hue. The most valuable minerals are light purple in color.

More affordable varieties of beryl:

1. Augustite. The second name is “blue beryl”. Mineral of a rich cobalt hue.
2. Aquamarine. A popular semi-precious sea green material. In demand among jewelers.
3. Goshenite. Transparent ornamental stone.
4. Heliodor. A greenish-golden mineral, sometimes appearing in shades of orange gold.
5. Bacit. Crystal with a palette from turquoise to deep blue.

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In addition to market value, types of beryl can also be classified by color: from the light green shade of an unripe apple (goshenite) to a deep red tone (bixbite).

We check for authenticity

Attempts to create an artificial beryl stone have so far been unsuccessful. Of course, sometimes scammers try to pass off an ordinary piece of glass or a piece of plastic as a real gem, but it is very easy to expose them. Just try to scratch the crystal with a blade or needle. You cannot damage a real gem.

To avoid stumbling upon a fake, it is necessary to check the authenticity of the stone.

For high-quality counterfeiting of a mineral, it is necessary to completely recreate its chemical composition, unique to each deposit. As a result, making a bracelet from such a perfect counterfeit will be as expensive as from a real stone, and the meaning of the fake will be lost.

Sometimes it happens that one variety of beryl is passed off as another, which costs more.

To distinguish an emerald from a cheaper but similar stone, you will need some kind of heavy liquid, such as bromoform. A real jewel will sink in such a liquid, while a cheap one will float. You can also place the gem under an ultraviolet lamp. Semi-precious emerald analogues will have a bright reflection, while a genuine crystal will have a duller light.

Usually they try to fake either an emerald or an aquamarine. Now such work is carried out out of pure scientific enthusiasm; there is no commercial sense in it. There are methods in which cheap stone is given the desired shade using heating, but so far they are just being developed.

It happens that emerald is glued together in several layers, and a thin plate of expensive stone is only the outer layer. In this case, you need to carefully look at how the beryl looks in the photograph in a jewelry laboratory; you are unlikely to be able to distinguish a fake on your own.

Cut

Despite the fairly high hardness levels (8 on the Moss scale), the mineral can be cut and polished. Most colorless stones are processed using a step method. This method allows you to increase the quality of light refraction and emphasize its play.

Mysterious beryl stone Today, beryl stone is one of the most famous crystals.⠀Already in the 6th millennium BC.
Queen Cleopatra was partial to the mineral, especially highlighting stones of green shades. The benefits of the mineral were appreciated by the Roman emperor Nero Claudius Caesar Drusus Germanicus. The ruler chose this crystal to make lenses for his monocles. ⠀The natural mineral has a hexagonal shape and has a transparent (in some cases translucent) structure. On the hardness scale, beryl is only slightly inferior to topaz and diamond, one of the most durable minerals on the planet. The properties of the stone, such as strength and durability, set it apart from many jewelry.⠀It is impossible to indicate even the approximate average sizes of beryl finds. After all, there were stones measuring only 4 - 5 cm, but large specimens also delighted geologists more than once. Of particular interest are small-sized Ukrainian beryls, ideal for jewelry.⠀⠀ Depending on the color, the following types of crystal are distinguished: Augustine, aquamarine, bazzite, morganite, goshenite, sparrowite, pezzottaite, emerald, black beryl, heliodor, or Davidsonite. Due to its strength and hardness, beryl does not require careful care. But you should not allow direct sunlight to hit jewelry with this crystal. It is advisable to store the jewelry in a case wrapped in soft fabric. It is quite difficult to distinguish the original from the fake, but keep in mind that all varieties of real beryl are resistant to acid and salt solutions. Beryl is the guardian stone of marital ties and the family hearth. It is believed that the gem will promote good relationships between children and parents, husband and wife. The stone prevents negative energy from entering the house and dispels any negativity, since beryl is a talisman of peace and goodwill. Jewelry with beryl is practical and versatile. There are many types of this stone (from the rarest and most expensive to budget and affordable to everyone). This has allowed beryl to become the best-selling gemstone. Jewelers often prefer pink and yellow types of beryl. Due to their density, they are quite easy to polish and make edges. Thanks to the small number of refractions, this gem does not require complex cuts (unlike a diamond).⠀⠀Order jewelry with amazing quality beryl by leaving a request in the comments or in private messages. Published Jewelry from the brand Olga Shatrova Saturday, May 26, 2021

Opaque crystals become cabochons. They are often used to create men's products and accessories with beryl: cufflinks, tie clips, cigarette cases. The same cutting style is also used on crystals with asterism or cat's eye effects.

Interesting! The number of facets affects the density of the stone's shade and the degree of reflection of sunlight, so a diamond cut reveals the beauty of the crystal to the maximum.

How to identify a fake

The most frequently counterfeited subspecies of beryl are emerald, heliodor, morganite, and aquamarine.

There are fakes:

• synthetic;
• imitation.

Expensive stone is often counterfeited

Synthetics are grown in laboratories. Such a crystal is practically indistinguishable in quality from those created by nature. In laboratories it is identified when examined under a stereomicroscope. The main indicator is inclusion. In the natural they are chaotic, unpredictable, unique. The synthetic sample is flawless, has no cracks, structural imperfections, or large impurities.

Imitation is an industrially colored gem made from cheap raw materials. To determine the imitation, a polariscope and a gemological refractometer are used. The main indicator is the degree of refraction. The second main criterion is anisotropy.

A cheap imitation can be identified without special equipment. Glass and plastic fakes weigh little, are warm to the touch, and are evenly colored. A color that is too bright is a reason to suspect industrial painting.

If upon visual inspection there is a bubble in the crystal structure, the sample is an imitation. An internal chip, a foreign inclusion, a feature is a sign of natural origin.

Frame

The material of the frame is often determined by the color of the mineral and its value. Thus, products with aquamarine, affordable for a wide range of buyers, are often produced in 925 silver. Particularly rare stones can be framed in white gold.

Morganite, bixbite and emerald are complemented by yellow, rose and white gold designs. Platinum and emeralds combine especially effectively.

Golden-green and orange heliodor looks organically in 585 yellow gold, and its lemon variety in artificially aged silver. The same frame will suit blue augustite.

Place of Birth

Deposits of beryllium ore are scattered across the planet. The richest are in Russia, Madagascar, Brazil, and Colombia.

Russian deposits:

• Ural (Shaitanka, Murzinka).
• Transbaikalia.
• Kola Peninsula.

Noble beryls are supplied from the Hindustan Peninsula, from Mozambique, and the “jewelry” state of Brazil, Minas Gerais.

The best emeralds in the world are the national treasure of Colombia, heliodors are the national treasure of Ukraine. The only place where bixbites are mined is the USA.

The color of a stone of the same type from different deposits is different.

Compatibility with other gems

Beryl is often combined in jewelry with other precious and semi-precious stones. Jewelers pay attention not only to the shade and size of the crystal, but also to its ability to refract light. “Spiritual compatibility” also plays an important role. Since the mineral is classified as “air”, it is often placed next to its fellow elements: citrine, topaz, tourmaline and blue chalcedony.

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Emeralds are often complemented with small diamonds, sapphires and amethysts. Morganite goes well with diamonds and garnets. Heliodor, symbolizing the element of Fire, will be an excellent neighbor for rubies and diamonds. But combining it with pearls is not the best idea.

Aquamarine looks spectacular next to malachite, jasper and jadeite. Its combination with rauchtopaz looks very unusual, but it is not recommended to place it next to ruby ​​or garnet.

Application area

High-quality beryls are used in the jewelry industry for inlaying jewelry. Often, expensive stones are used to decorate church dishes.

Large, beautiful crystals are valuable collectibles. Museums and private collectors are proud of them.

Signets and interior decorations are made from inexpensive, base stones.

An ordinary mineral (opaque) is the raw material for the production of beryllium oxide, which is in demand in the nuclear industry and in the design of lasers and X-ray installations.

In jewelry, emeralds are valued above all others. The mineral is used to decorate rings, pendants, and earrings. Necklaces and tiaras are made with it. Beryl is often combined with pearls, diamonds, and topaz. In the past, jewelry was used to decorate temples and palaces. There are known paintings made from stones. One job requires more than 100,000 cut stones.

The gem is used in jewelry

Who is suitable for jewelry with beryl?

A wide range of shades, sizes, cuts and clarity makes beryl popular among both women and men. The range of prices and variety of jewelry designs allows you to find a product that suits any style, appearance and budget.

Stylistics by type of stone

If we talk about the reason for choosing jewelry, then emeralds, morganites and bixbits are suitable for the most ceremonial exits and receptions. A necklace, earrings or ring with any of these stones will make its owner the center of attention. At the same time, rich red bixbits and dark green emeralds will suit ladies of elegant age. But younger women and girls should pay attention to delicate, but no less valuable, pink morganites.

Semi-precious aquamarines, bacites and heliodors will organically fit into the “casual” style and jewelry in the form of small rings, tie clips and pendants. Heliodor and Augustite in cufflinks will highlight the style of the owner and draw attention to a designer suit or expensive watch.

Inexpensive colorless goshenite can be used to decorate accessories: bags, cigarette cases, mirrors. It is often used in the design of children's jewelry. It is valued for its versatility and natural origin.

BerylThe name of the stone beryl comes from the ancient Greek word "beryllos".
This word is so old that... Published by Jewelry “Diamanti Nazavzhdi” Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Owner's appearance type

The variety of colors of beryl family minerals allows you to choose a stone depending on the type of appearance of the owner.

Brunettes with fair skin will want jewelry with rich shades of blue and green, such as emeralds and Augustites. Pale bacitas and delicate aquamarines will be excellent companions for classic fair-skinned and light-eyed blondes.

Interesting! Owners of brown eyes and autumn-colored hair (red, chestnut) should pay attention to earrings and bracelets with neutral goshenites or, conversely, with rich emeralds.

Girls with a classic Slavic appearance (brown hair, fair skin, light brown or blue eyes) will definitely suit golden-green heliodors and noble beryls.

Men's range

The list of men's jewelry and accessories includes cufflinks, rings, tie and money clips, bracelets, cigarette cases and lighters.

Most insert stones are not cut as carefully as in women's products. Aquamarine cabochons on silver cigarette cases, emerald inserts on gold lighters, signet rings with heliodor and platinum cufflinks with augustite look very impressive.

In addition to precious metals (gold, silver, platinum), leather, bone and wood can be used in the decoration of men's jewelry.

Do you have a family heirloom beryl?

Not really

Physico-chemical characteristics

According to the chemical classification, the mineral beryl is a complex silicate, the composition of which is reflected in an intricate formula.

Pure beryl is colorless, with a glassy luster.

Coloring is created by impurities:

• Turquoise, blue, yellow - iron.
• The red-pink color is manganese.
• Bright green – chrome.

The mineral is resistant to acids and melts at the edges over a soldering tube, but not immediately.

Healing properties of beryl

Beryl is a stone with strong energy. This property was noticed by the healers of the Ancient East, who used the mineral to neutralize negative energy messages. In India, beryl was responsible for opening the heart and solar plexus chakras. Its actions extended not only to the cardiovascular system, but also to the internal organs of the entire abdominal cavity.

Modern lithotherapy classifies the healing properties of crystals depending on their shade.

Classic golden-green beryls help with:

• colds;
• metabolic disorders;
• arrhythmias, tachycardia;
• increased blood pressure;
• pneumonia and bronchitis;
• gastrointestinal disorders.

Blue and blue varieties of the mineral (aquamarine and augustite) help restore peace of mind, fight stress, and improve concentration.

Red bixbits and orange heliodors will become assistants to the elderly and sick in the postoperative period.

Of great importance is the type of product into which the stone is inserted, as well as its location on the human body.

A ring with a “red emerald” will protect against negative energy, the evil eye and damage. If you insert an aquamarine into the ring and wear it on the middle finger, then, according to lithotherapists, this will have a beneficial effect on vision.

Earrings with golden heliodor will ease migraines and help the immune system fight colds, and a pendant with augustite will help overly impulsive people maintain composure.

Interesting! According to representatives of traditional Chinese medicine, beryl is a stone with pronounced yin energy, so it will be especially useful for women suffering from diseases of the reproductive system.

Compatibility with zodiac signs and names

Beryl patronizes Gemini, Libra, Scorpio.

Features of influence:

• For Scorpios, the stone gives them the ability to cope with emotions and extinguish angry outbursts. Stones set in silver are especially useful for this zodiac sign.
• Libras, under the influence of the breed, enjoy life and are cured of depression. The owner of the stone gets rid of the inherent inconstancy that complicates life.
• For Gemini, the gem gives self-confidence and the ability to make clear decisions. It is easier for jewelry owners to concentrate on business and achieve goals, despite the difficulties.

Besides:

• Sagittarians who own beryl get rid of nervousness. The most useful type is aquamarine.
• The mineral gives health to Leo women. It develops the wisdom and femininity of the owner.
• Aries, under the influence of the breed, moderates selfishness and ambition. They receive a charge of positive energy from the decoration and turn into pleasant interlocutors.
• Beryl, falling into the hands of Cancer, makes a person positive and cheerful.
• The gem teaches Pisces to think soberly and reason rationally. It stimulates a cool mind. Aquamarine is especially useful.
• Emerald, the stone of wisdom, is more suitable for Taurus than others.

The mineral patronizes the names:

• male - Borya, Grisha, Maxim;
• for women – Zhenya, Zoya, Luda, Yana.

Beryl is recommended for Scorpios

Beryl Magic

In addition to healing properties, natural beryl has a wide range of magical qualities. This mineral is believed to:

• “attracts” good luck and financial well-being;
• preserves and protects the family hearth;
• facilitates communication between representatives of different generations (if both parties have a stone);
• “sorts” energy, leaving positive energy for the owner and pushing away negative energy outside.

Depending on the type of stone, it can be an excellent gift. Travelers are often given an amulet with aquamarine, especially when it comes to traveling by sea. It is believed that this stone guarantees the absence of storms and other troubles while crossing the sea surface.

Noble golden yellow beryl and heliodor will be an excellent gift for a lawyer. It will allow you to win the case, attract good luck and ensure success.

Bixbit is considered the protector of the family and clan, so jewelry with it is often a family heirloom, passed on from generation to generation. Blue Augustite was used in ancient times as a talisman for the home. The product with it, stored in the home, protected the latter from fire, floods and robbers.

Talismans with beryl can not only protect the owner, but also relieve chronic fatigue, increase attention, and help achieve goals. This stone influences mental clarity, making it an excellent gift for a number of professions.

What price

We have already talked a little about the cost above. In this subsection we will talk about factors influencing the price.

So, what does the cost of gem products consist of:

• breed quality;
• varieties;
• cut and its presence in principle;
• processing;
• the type of metal from which the frame is made.

Cost of natural emeralds that are popular:

• Low-quality specimens will cost approximately $350 per carat.
• High-quality types – up to $8,000 per carat.

For aquamarine or morganite, if they are genuine, you will have to pay $2100-2700 per carat.

Recommendations for product care

Caring for beryl, like most semi-precious stones, is very simple, you just need to remember the main points:

• mineral inserts and individual stones should not be dropped or impacted mechanically (due to the possible presence of gas bubbles in the structure, which affects the degree of strength);
• You should not leave beryl gems in direct sunlight, where they may lose several tones of color;
• the mineral should not come into contact with acids;
• Clean stones and settings with harsh abrasive cleaners.

Important! Jewelry is usually rinsed with warm water or a mild soap solution, gently wiped with a soft cloth and stored in a closed box.

Other types

In addition to the main varieties of beryl described, there are other specimens. For example, in Brazil, dark blue stones are mined. These are Augustites or Maxis. In Italy there is a deposit of light blue gems, which are called bazzites. These minerals are not suitable for use in jewelry production. A black mineral is quite rare. It has an original appearance: its edges are light blue and the center is painted black.

is unusual in its color range . This is a bright red beryl with purple tints. It was first discovered at the beginning of the 21st century on the island of Madagascar. A little later, its deposits were discovered in Myanmar and Afghanistan. Augustites, bazzites and pezzottaites have a very beautiful appearance, but their strength is quite low. That is why all these specimens are unsuitable for creating jewelry.

Pezzottaite is unusual in its color range.

Price

The price of a product with beryl inserts depends on many factors: type of mineral, size, cut, frame material.

A gold ring with a large aquamarine can cost 20-25 thousand rubles, and the cost of a product with an emerald of the same size will start from 50-60 thousand.

Handmade silver earrings with 5 carat heliodor can be purchased for 20 thousand rubles, while a factory product made from the same materials with a smaller stone will cost no more than 3-5 thousand.

The cheapest type of beryl, goshenite, is used mainly to create inexpensive children's jewelry: earrings, crosses, pendants. Silver earrings with this gem cost 1,500-2,000 rubles in the online store.

It is quite difficult to evaluate bixbite and morganite. Their final value is determined as a result of bidding at the world's leading auctions. The cost of one carat of “red emerald” starts from 15 thousand dollars.

How to wear and care

The mineral is whimsical, requires caution, and is fragile. When it falls, the stone breaks.

Beryl is a brittle mineral

Rules of care:

• rinse with running water;
• do not use chemicals;
• Store individually in a box with soft surfaces.

If cleaning or polishing is necessary, take the product to a jeweler. Trying to do it yourself often results in the stone losing its shine. It will not be possible to restore the beauty of the jewelry.

Main conclusions

Beryl is a whole family that includes both precious emerald and inexpensive ornamental goshenite.

1. There are many varieties of this mineral, the most valuable of which is bixbite.
2. The cost of stones depends on their type, cut, setting and degree of rarity.
3. Both precious metals and jewelry alloys can be used as frames.
4. Beryl is endowed with a large number of healing properties, as well as the qualities of a strong amulet.

Beryl jewelry is universal. This gem is suitable for representatives of any gender, age and nationality, while it is widespread and accessible.

Extraction method

Primary stone deposits are hidden by granite pegmatites, quartz veins, and hydrothermal springs.

Along the way, feldspars and other gems (topazes, rock crystal, rauchtopaz) are mined with them.

Rauchtopaz smoky

Deposits of beryllium and other gems of this group are sought using beryllometry.

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This is a method developed by scientists in the USSR in the mid-twentieth century. Based on the reaction of beryllium isotopes.

Trends 2021

Our gem is among the trash stones of this season. By and large, it never went out of fashion.

Therefore, listing what is fashionable, stylish and cool is a thankless task. There is nothing new to say here.

The same ones remain in trend:

• earrings;
• bracelets;
• pendants;
• necklaces;
• beads;
• amulets.

Only shapes and colors are considered fashionable. This season, focus on pink, red and all their shades. As for the shapes - squares with diamonds.

Stylistic directions:

• Greek;
• Indian;
• Turkish.

Sizes are optional; young fashionistas are advised to pay attention to voluminous, large jewelry, especially in terms of choosing bracelets.

Location in nature

The mineral is mined on all continents, but the largest deposits are in Brazil, Madagascar, and Russia . The crystal is prismatic, columnar in shape. There are single representatives or communities of stones - druses. The deposits are veins ranging in length from several meters to kilometers.

The mineral is formed in igneous rock, it is a product of late volcanic processes.

By this time, the main crystallization of the rock had already passed and crystals from the residual magmatic solution-melt, saturated with gases and rare elements, began to form in the cracks.

Talismans, amulets, amulets

Ring “Frog Princess” - beryl-emerald, silver
Belief in supernatural phenomena prompted people to create protection for themselves and their loved ones in the form of animals imprinted in stone or other materials.

There was a whole business based on the manufacture and sale of amulets and talismans. There is some truth in this, since people have always been born who were close to nature and felt its processes.

They could predict the future, advise what to do, what could help in a difficult situation.

For example, if a person wanted to make peace with his enemy, then he was recommended to give the enemy a frog made of beryl stone.

Since minerals and labor were expensive and the person was glad to receive an unexpected gift, reconciliation was usually easy.

The meaning is rather not in the philosophy of the stone, but in the very action of people in relation to each other. But the goal was achieved, therefore, it was necessary to continue listening to the predictor.

It was believed that an emerald in a gold frame was a symbol of intelligence and wealth. The only question is – what comes first?

A person needed to think about where to get or for what to buy such an expensive thing. I had to think hard about financial well-being. Eventually, the idea came to the thinker, and he became rich.

Most likely, the person attributed the appearance of wealth to the emerald. In fact, he created his own success, and the mineral was just the initial goal.

Talismans were purchased by people to be confident in the future. The stones were a symbol of hope and allowed one not to lose courage in difficult situations.