Beryllonite
Beryllonite
Published: June 2014
Modified: August 2023
Named for its beryllium content, beryllonite is a colorless to white or pale yellowish in color. It is usually transparent with a vitreous to pearly luster, and is often heavily included. This rare gem is found in only a few places around the world, notably in Maine, USA.
General Information
Common Name
Beryllonite
Species
Beryllonite
Transparency
Transparent
Dispersion
Strength: Weak Fire Value: 0.010
Refractive Index
1.552-1.561
Birefringence
0.009- 0.010
Optic Character
Biaxial
Optic Sign
Negative
Polariscope Reaction
Doubly Refractive (DR)
Fluorescence
SWUV: Inert
LWUV: Inert
LWUV: Inert
Pleochroism
None
Hardness
5.5-6
Streak
White
Specific Gravity
2.790-2.870
Toughness
Poor
Inclusions
Beryllonite is typically included and will have fluid inclusions.
Luster
Vitreous
Fracture
Conchoidal
Cleavage
Perfect
Chemical Name
sodium beryllium phosphate
Chemical Formula
NaBePO4
Crystal System
Monoclinic
Chemistry Classification
Phosphate
Beryllonite Colors
-
Colorless -
White -
Yellow
Countries of Origin
Afghanistan; Czechia; United States of America; United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; Portugal; Canada; Sweden; Pakistan; Unknown; China; Finland; Brazil; France
Care
Slowly soluble in acids.