Appearance
Due to its remarkable red hue and distinct crystal structure, red beryl is an uncommon and expensive gemstone. Here are a few of its attributes:
Color: The striking red color of red beryl can vary from a deep crimson to a pinkish-red tint. The remnants of manganese in the gemstone’s crystal structure give it its color.
Hardness: Red beryl is comparatively hard and long-lasting, with a Mohs hardness of 7.5-8. This indicates that, in comparison to certain other gemstones, it is less prone to scratches and damage.
Crystal Structure: Red beryl is a member of the hexagonal system of minerals and has a hexagonal crystal structure. Its peculiar shape comes from a special collection of crystallographic axes.
Transparency: Although certain specimens may have inclusions or other flaws that impair their clarity, red beryl is generally transparent.
Geographical Distribution
Found only in the Western United States, mostly in the Wah Wah Mountains of Utah.
History
In the annals of mineralogy and gemology, the discovery of red beryl is a comparatively recent development. The following is a synopsis of the red beryl discovery history:
In the western Utah Thomas Range in 1904, prospector and mineralogist Maynard Bixby found a novel kind of gemstone. For additional examination, it was discovered that the gemstone was actually a unique kind of mineral called bixbite, named for Maynard Bixby. At first, it was believed to be a red emerald.
Bixbite was not generally acknowledged as a gemstone for a long time; for most people, it was merely a curious stone collected by enthusiasts. Bixbite was not mined commercially in Utah until the 1950s, and the gemstone was dubbed “red beryl” to set it apart from other beryl minerals.
Red beryl is one of the world’s rarest and most sought-after gemstones even today. Although lesser quantities have been found in other places of the world, such as Mexico and Afghanistan, it is mainly found in the Wah Wah Mountains of Utah, USA.
Metaphysical Properties
In order to feel more confident in yourself or pursue your dreams, the biteme crystal can help you become more charismatic and energetic. It also helps increase fertility and sex drive. Bixbite is said to help bring good things into your life—love, wealth, health, and plenty.
Chemical Composition
The chemical makeup of red beryl is Be3Al2(SiO3)6, a beryllium aluminum silicate mineral. It is a member of the beryl group of minerals, which also contains morganite, aquamarine, and emerald as gemstones.
Types
One variety of bixbite is raspberyl. This is a trade name for raspberry-red beryl and is also applied to certain raspberry-red crystals of the Madagascar-sourced Pezzottaite (cesium beryl) kind.
Any of the many species that make up the beryl group can be called raspberry-red, although the color of the gem has nothing to do with how much cesium it contains.
Uses
- The main application for red beryl, a rare and expensive gemstone, is jewelry. Red beryl has great optical qualities and a vivid red color, making it a popular option for jewelry enthusiasts and collectors who value its beauty and uniqueness.
- Usually, red beryl is cut into faceted gemstones and used in jewelry such as necklaces, earrings, and rings. The deep red hue of the gemstone, which results from traces of manganese in the crystal structure, makes it valuable. Due to its scarcity and high worth, red beryl is frequently utilized as the focal stone in engagement rings and other expensive jewelry items. This makes it a special and treasured option.
- Because of its distinct crystal structure and qualities, red beryl has been employed in scientific studies in addition to jewelry. Red beryl, for instance, has been researched for possible use in laser technology because of its crystal structure, which permits the emission of a coherent, narrow beam of light.
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