Gemstone:
Golden Beryl
Birthstone Month:
Beryl is not associated with any particular birthstone month.
Zodiac:
Beryl is associated with the zodiac signs of Scorpio and Sagittarius.
Chemical Symbol:
Be3Al2Si6O18
Chemical Make-up:
Beryl is scientifically classified as a Beryllium Aluminum Silicate. The presence of Uranium Oxide account for the golden hue.
History & Lore:
The origin of the name Beryl is thought to derive from the Sanskrit word ‘veruliyam’, an old term previously used for the gemstone Chrysoberyl. It is also believed to derive from the Greek Word ‘beryllos’ which means crystal, and was originally applied to all green gemstones, but was later used exclusively for Beryl alone.
It is documented that Pliny, a Roman scholar, used powdered Beryl to cure injuries relating to the eye.
Legend says that Beryl was once used to ward off demons and evil spirits and that it can protect the wearer from dangers whilst traveling. Other legends also state that Beryl can be used to bring about good luck, cheerfulness, energy, and eternal youthfulness. Beryl is also said to be effective at treating disorders of the heart and spine.
Availability:
Golden Beryl is readily available and relatively inexpensive.
Sources:
Noteworthy Golden Beryl deposits occur in Afghanistan, Brazil, Columbia, Madagascar, Russia, and the United States.
Evaluation:
Beryl is rated at 7.5 to 8 on Moh’s Scale of Hardness and is a durable stone that is ideal for all jewelry purposes. Beryl is colorless in pure form, but different elemental impurities give it a wide variety of available colors. The presence of Uranium Oxide is the reason for the color of Golden Beryl which can range from a pale yellow to a brilliant gold. Golden Beryl seldom has inclusions.
The terms Heliodor and Golden Beryl are often referenced incorrectly and often confused with each other, but it is technically incorrect to do so. Golden Beryl displays a pale yellow to brilliant gold color, whereas Heliodor refers to a yellow variety with a more or less green shade.
The most important factors to consider when evaluating the value of Golden Beryl is the saturation of the color, the clarity, and the quality of the cut.
Common Cuts:
Beryl has the ability to be cut into a wide spectrum of many-faceted shapes. Beryls are particularly well suited to rectangular or square cuts, as these bring out the stone’s transparency and color definition.
Routine Enhancements:
Though it is technically possible to produce synthetic Golden Beryl by irradiation, it’s not commonly conducted or necessary as deposits are widespread.
Care & Cleaning:
Beryl can be cleaned using warm soapy water and a soft brush. Enzyme cleaners and cleaning agents containing chlorine should be avoided because they can cause dermatitis and allergic reactions. To reduce the dangers of thermal shock, Beryls should also be kept away from prolonged exposure to excessive heat.
Golden Beryl jewelry should be stored in a fabric-lined box away from other jewelry items so as to avoid damage / scratching.
