Another Multi-terminated Red Beryl Crystal

Beryl
Beryllium Aluminum Silicate Be3Al2SiO3

Beryl is an important ore mineral of beryllium. It is typically found in cavities in granite and pegmatite and is also associated with tin ores and mica schists

The following information on Red Beryl courtesy Tim Schmanski, Red Beryl Mine

Red Beryl is the rarest form of beryl, which includes emeralds and aquamarines. The only crystals suitable for faceting are found in the Wah Wah Mountains (the Violet Claims), near Beaver, Utah. Currently, this is the only place in the world where gem quality Red Beryl is found.

Red Beryl was first noted in Utah in 1905, in the Thomas Range in Juab County, Utah. The small crystals were found in a rhyolite host rock and were translucent but rarely gemmy. It wasn't until the late 1950's that larger, better quality crystals were found in the Wah Wah Mountains in Beaver County. Consistent mining of the Red Beryl in the Wah Wah Mountains has only taken place since 1978.

Red Beryl occurs as hexagonal crystals which is typical of beryls. The refractive index is 1.564-1.574 and the specific gravity is 2.66-2.70. It's primary chemical composition is Be3Al2SiO3, but there are traces of many other elements. A more detailed examination including geological, chemical, physical and gemological information can be found in the magazine Gems and Gemology, Volume XX, Winter 1984.

Red Beryl is thought to have formed along fractures, in cavities or within the host rhyolite from a high-temperature gas or vapor phase released during the latter stages of cooling and crystallization of the rhyolite magma. Rhyolites ordinarily lack gem minerals and beryls of any sort is extremely uncommon, therefore the presence of Red Beryl suggests some unusual conditions for gemstone formation.

Red Beryl crystals range in color from orange-red to purplish-red with medium tones. The largest crystal yet recovered was 14mm x 34mm and weighed approximately 54 carats. The average faceted gemstone is .15 carats and the largest faceted gemstone to date weighed 8.0 carats.

Rocks from Tim Schmanski's Collection

Index of Specimen Images

Table of Contents

bkeller@rockhounds.com 7/3/95