How to distinguish natural beryl?
Beryl is one of the most beautiful and unusual stones on the planet. It stands out for its complex structure and wide palette of colors. Some of its varieties are recognized as precious stones of the highest standard. Let’s take a closer look at this amazing gem.
History of the stone
Beryl has been known since ancient times. The Egyptians made beads from it, and Queen Cleopatra especially loved jewelry that included these green stones. In the Middle Ages, the mineral was used to make monocles. Beryl was highly valued in India. It was used to decorate majestic temples. Even the word “beryl” itself is of Indian origin.
Mineral deposit
The first finds of beryl were discovered in Namibia. Other African deposits of the mineral are known in Madagascar, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Deposits of large beryls, reaching 70 cm, are concentrated in Brazil. Crystals larger than 5 cm are mined in India. Beautiful and high-quality beryls can be found in Ukraine near the city of Zhitomir.
Characteristics of the jewel
- Emerald . A gemstone of the first order, distinguished by its green color.
- Aquamarine. Characterized by high transparency and a sky blue tint.
- Heliodor. It stands out with a beautiful yellow tint.
- Bixbit. A rare stone whose color ranges from pink to red.
- Morganite. It is characterized by a pink or peach color.
- Goshenite. Completely colorless mineral.
- Pezzottaite. Stands out in crimson color. It may be partially or completely transparent.
The hardness of the stone is estimated at 7,5-8 on the Mohs mineral scale. However, it is fragile and can break if accidentally dropped.
Amazing properties
Beryl is a family stone. It helps to improve relationships between spouses, enhances feelings and mutual passion. In addition, the gem gives the owner the ability to avoid failures and achieve success in the professional field.
The stone has many healing properties. It promotes:
- strengthening the immune system;
- beneficial effects on the gastrointestinal tract;
- improving the condition of patients with hepatitis;
- help with gynecological diseases.
Beryl is an active conductor of energy and a powerful protector. Thanks to its healing powers, jewelry with this gem is used as an amulet and amulet.
Compatibility with zodiac signs
Beryl is a universal stone. There are no zodiac signs for which it would be contraindicated. However, it has the most beneficial effect on the following:
- Twins. This sign is known for being active, but often leaves things halfway. A product with a gem will help you achieve your goal. Earrings with beryl are suitable for women; men can decorate their wrist with a bracelet with this stone.
- Scales. For them, the stone will become an inexhaustible charge of positive mood. Rings with beryl, as well as other jewelry with this gem, will help Libra gain courage and move towards new achievements.
- Scorpion. The gem will tame the militant-fiery nature of this sign. Pendants with beryl, as well as other jewelry with it, promote friendliness and care for loved ones.
A fascinating stone will not only become a powerful amulet, but will also emphasize status and individuality.
Jewelry with beryl
The gem is widely used in jewelry for making jewelry. It looks attractive framed by metals such as gold or silver. Earrings, necklaces, pendants, chains and bracelets with beryl can make a person stand out from the crowd and serve as a sign of high status. Products with this stone will complement your personal jewelry collection and will be an excellent gift idea for a loved one.
What to wear with jewelry
Products with beryl are suitable for all styles of clothing. Everyday looks can be complemented with chains, bracelets and rings with a beautiful gem. For an evening outfit, you can opt for a necklace with beryl, which will become a bright accent of the image. For business meetings, earrings or pendants with a small stone would be appropriate.
Beryl cost
Each type of gem is valued differently. The cheapest stone in this group is goshenite. Its price ranges from 10 to 50 dollars per carat. First-class red or crimson beryls are considered the most expensive. They are quite rare, which directly affects the price. The cost of such stones starts from 5000 and can reach 20000 dollars per carat.
After reviewing the range of products on the Internet or the AURUM company store, you can order jewelry with beryl at a favorable price. The models in the catalog are distinguished by their high quality, confirmed by relevant certificates.
How to distinguish a natural stone from a fake
In order not to be deceived, it is worth knowing the main signs of genuine beryl. These include:
- Hardness. Natural gems can damage glass surfaces.
- Price. The cost of a fake is usually much lower than that of a natural stone.
- Defects. In a natural gem, cracks, air bubbles or inclusions are noticeable, which can be seen under a magnifying glass. A fake is characterized by an almost complete absence of defects.
When purchasing, it is important to pay attention to the certificate of authenticity of the stone. Its absence and the prohibition on checking the product may indicate fraud.
How to properly clean beryl jewelry
Stones require careful and regular care. To refresh a tarnished gem and clean it, you need to rinse the jewelry in a glass of water with 5-10 drops of ammonia.
Due to its attractive appearance, excellent clarity and durability, beryl is popular throughout the world. Jewelry with this stone will attract the attention of others and will become a stylish addition to any look.
Natural beryl stone is part of one of the most popular and large groups of minerals. Its deposits are enormous, but among all this mass it is difficult to find truly transparent samples that would be considered precious, because it is transparent beryls that are considered jewelry. There are many varieties of them – there are golden beryls, which are not very well known to the general public, and green, the most popular, as well as pink, white, blue, red and even colorless.
If we talk about classic beryl in its original form, then it is born colorless. It’s called Goshenite. If impurities of other colors are found in the stone, then such stones already belong to varieties of the mineral. One of the most beautiful golden-colored beryls owes its hue to the inclusions of iron in it. If impurities do not get into the stone, then it will be quite simple and inconspicuous.
☘Establishing the authenticity of a stone
On the golden beryl Many precious minerals are similar. These can be topazes, various quartzes, and schorls. But all these stones are amenable to basic testing, through which the authenticity of the mineral is established. Very often, in the first stages, they resort to weighing the stone, determining its specific gravity and hardness. Beryl is softer than topaz, but at the same time has greater hardness than, for example, apatite.
In addition, some stones similar to this mineral differ from it in their crystal structure. In beryl it is clearly six-sided, while in other stones it is either striped or octagonal and adhesive.
☘Finding the stone
In Brazil natural beryls are mined in the largest quantities and of the best quality. Such stones are characterized by ideal transparency and large sizes. But this mineral can also be found in other territories – Madagascar, Ceylon, Nigeria.
☘Stone color
As mentioned above, beryls appear in nature in a wide range of colors. Each color is given its own name and individual varieties are assigned. You can find golden stones or otherwise heliodors, they are the most common beryl on Earth. Shades can be either pure gold or mixed with yellow, green or even lime. This color depends on the iron content in the stone and, in general, on its chemical composition. Sometimes beryls exhibit pleochroism, which is a rather rare property among stones, unique and revered among jewelers and collectors.
☘Brightness and transparency of the mineral
Natural Beryl stones in their transparency they can be completely different – both matte and completely transparent. If we take into account beryls for jewelry, then only transparent specimens are used here. Some inclusions may occur in gold minerals, but they are very rare and are usually crystal clear. After cutting, such stones begin to shine like glass.
☘Shapes and cutting
Golden beryls They are always cut, this is done to give them a glassy shine. Cabochon is a rather rare form for this stone; such a cut is made only if a jeweler encounters the “cat’s eye” variety. Beryl can be given almost any shape of cut, even the most complex, chess or Portuguese, its characteristics fully allow this. Of course, the most common are standard cutting shapes, they can be found more often than others, but something unique and complex can also be found on the market in a good assortment. At the same time, this mineral is very good for cutting stone and creating various designs.
☘Gem upgrade
Beryl stones fundamentally always improving. But this state of affairs does not apply to all varieties of beryl. If the stone is pink or colorless, it is usually not treated. Some varieties can be processed with temperatures, and some, for example, emerald, with resins.
☘Varieties of beryl
Beryl natural belongs to a wide group of mined minerals. In their midst there are some related stones, which are later classified into different subclasses according to their composition or shade. Similar minerals include apatites, schorls, and topazes. But if you don’t evaluate stones only by appearance, but go through other tests to determine, for example, the specific gravity or composition, or hardness of the stone, then you can easily distinguish them from each other.
- Popular varieties of the mineral: emerald, aquamarine, transparent varieties of beryl, amethyst-balsatin – these minerals are quite common.
- Not the most popular varieties of the mineral: green beryls, but not emeralds, bazzite, pink beryl – these minerals are considered little-known and unique.
☘Healing properties of beryl, mythological and metaphysical features of the stone
Some varieties of beryl (for example, the gold stone) are not as well known as jewelry as many other types of the mineral, so they do not have any myths or legends associated with them, nor are they associated with an astrological sphere or zodiac sign. But at the same time, this stone was still previously used as a healing amulet, since its metaphysical features take place.
natural beryl – this is the stone of the Sun, and therefore it was believed that it was filled with the warmth and light of this star, its energy. Therefore, this stone was often worn as amulets, and this continued for many centuries. Possessing solar energy, this stone helped attract good luck, helped achieve goals and gave its owner success. It protected against the intrigues and negative psychological influence of other people over the owner of the stone. It warded off negative energy, evil spirits and even scared away ghosts.
It also has a positive effect on the body. Helps the immune system to be strong and resilient, helps cure diseases of the pancreas and liver. As a sun stone, it is more predisposed to points near the head or chest, but in general it can help the whole body at once. There is no data yet on its official affiliation with any sign or planet, but many believe that it is a stone of the Moon.
☘Stone design
Golden beryl – an excellent addition to any piece of jewelry, because it is distinguished by good hardness and strength, as well as beauty and shine. It is its shine that makes it desirable for many people as an addition to products. Actually, because of its radiance, it is better to enclose the mineral in open frames, so as not to interfere with the rays of light hitting its edges and filling it with shine. Also, the stone can be found in quite large sizes, and it will not cost as much as some other jewelry. Golden-hued beryl is perfect for rings or pendants. For greater shine, it is better to insert it into open frames so that light can easily penetrate into it.
Also, similar beryl is used for the manufacture of beads or the production of placers, which are then made into beads or inserted into necklaces or bracelets. Often this stone is used as a replacement for Imperial Topaz. The mineral itself is quite popular all over the world and is very much loved by jewelers for its excellent hardness, strength, wear resistance, beauty and availability. It can often be found in simple jewelry stores along with other well-known stones. Beryl can become part of earrings, brooches, various pins, rings and many other popular products of varying complexity.
☘Stone care
Despite its high strength and hardness, beryl also requires care and proper care. It is quite unstable to pressure and certainly cannot resist aggressive household chemicals. Therefore, remove it before cleaning the house, before doing laundry or other work involving chemicals. You can clean it with soap and water, but you need to wash such stones thoroughly so that there are no stains left, which will then be difficult to wipe off from an already dry stone. Also thoroughly wipe off any remaining water from the mineral. Do not use ultrasound or steam when cleaning stone.
Like any other jewelry stones, it must be removed before playing sports or active activities. Due to its excellent strength, it does not splinter and is practically scratch-resistant, but it can damage other stones lying next to it. Therefore, store it separately, it is better to hide it in a bag or piece of material, or even better – to have a separate box or compartment for it in a box with fabric walls and a bottom. Periodically you need to check it and wipe off dust from it, but carefully and trying not to drop it or put pressure on it.
