Properties
| Family | Beryl Species |
| Chemistry | Al2Be3Si6O18 |
| Refractive Index | 1.565 - 1.602 |
| Birefringence | .004 - .009 |
| Specific Gravity | 2.67 - 2.78 |
| Hardness | 7.5 - 8 (Moh's Scale) |
| Color Range | Lemon-yellow to golden-yellow |
Romance, History & Lore
With its sun-kissed hues and fine transparency, golden beryl is a cheerful addition to any jewelry wardrobe. Golden beryl is perhaps the least-known member of the beryl gemstone family, making it significantly more affordable than its counterparts, emerald and aquamarine.
Origins
Golden beryl gets its yellow coloring from small deposits of iron. It was first discovered in Namibia in 1913 in a pegmatite that also produced aquamarine. Today, it is sourced primarily from Brazil and Madagascar.
Golden Beryl should not be confused with Heliodor, another variety of beryl gemstone. The two stones can be distinguished by their coloring: golden beryl is a warm, bright yellow, while heliodor is a pale yellow-green.
Care
With a hardness of 7.5-8, golden beryl jewelry is durable enough for everyday wear. For safe cleaning, wash beryl pieces in a solution of mild dish soap and warm water, using a soft brush to scrub behind the stone where dust can collect. Like all fine jewelry, remove golden beryl jewelry before sleeping.
