Heliodor (beryl)
Consumer Information
What color is it?: This gemstone is the yellow variety of beryl sometimes called "yellow beryl" and sometimes by the name above: heliodor
What is the story behind this gemstone?: It is a sister stone to the emerald, aquamarine, morganite, and red beryl. It is fairly rare in large sizes, but makes beautiful jewelry items if you can find it in a retail jewelry store.
Can I wear it everyday?: Yes, very long wearing.
Is it expensive?: Generally no. Heliodor is about the same price as a nice amethyst in the smaller sizes. Larger stones, however, will get to be rather expensive due to rarity.
Is it a birthstone?: No.
What do I need to know before going shopping?: Once again, call ahead. Few retail jewelers will carry heliodor as a regular inventory gemstone. So make sure you are shopping with a well experienced independent retail jeweler when looking for heliodor.
General Information
Classic hexagonal yellow beryl crystal showing perfect termination
Source: Brazil, Madagascar, Namibia
Chemical: Al2Be3(Si6O16) Aluminum beryllium silicate
Formation: Pegmatite dikes and granite formations
Crystal System: Hexagonal
Unusual Properties: Can be radioactive due to coloring element of uranium
Gemological Information
RI: 1.577 - 1.583
Birefringence: .016
Optic Character: U -
Specific Gravity: 2.72
Hardness: 7.5
Transparency: TP
Special Identifying Properties and Tests: Will give same test results as emerald or aquamarine but with a distinct yellow color.
Synthetics: None known at this time.
Imitations: Several possible