Jewel__A_Celebration_of_Earth_s_Treasures

238 SILICATES

Emerald crystal | This large and fine

emerald crystal exhibits classic hexagonal

form and emerald-green colour. It is

approximately the size of a walnut.

Classic crystal | Still retaining some of

its host rock at the base, this gem-quality

aquamarine crystal has a classic prismatic

form, with flat end faces.

Heliodor | The yellow variety of beryl is

called heliodor. The stunning clarity of this

crystal is evidenced by its rock groundmass,

which is clearly visible through it.

Rough

Morganite crystal | Morganite is the

pink variety of beryl. Like the other beryls,

it forms fine, well developed crystals

such as this specimen.

Aquamarine crystal | In general, beryl

crystals of all colours tend to have fairly flat

terminations, so the end faces on this crystal

are unusually large.

Red beryl | Red beryl is scarce in cut

stones, since its crystals are both rare and

small. This crystal from Utah, USA, rests

on a groundmass of rhyolite.

Goshenite crystal | This blocky, hexagonal

goshenite crystal shows good clarity, a

typically colourless interior, and a fine

geometric form.

Prismatic crystals | This outstanding

mineral specimen displays numerous

prismatic aquamarine crystals on a

rock groundmass.

Host

rock

Well-formed

faces

Aquamarine

crystal

Aquamarine

crystals

Gem-quality

crystal

Well-formed

planes

Hexagonal

face

Red beryl

crystal

Hexagonal

outline

236-241_PRO_Beryl.indd 238 19/05/2016 12:54