Beryl Gemstone: What Colors are Available?

Here at Moriarty's Gem Art, we deal in all sorts of gemstones. One of the most popular is Beryl. Beryl is a group of minerals composed primarily of beryllium aluminum silicate. This gemstone family is known for its variety of colors, each with its unique appeal and beauty. These gemstones have been also treasured for their durability and versatility in fine jewelry such as rings, pendants and earrings. The most well-known members of the beryl family of gems include emerald, aquamarine, heliodor, morganite, goshenite, and bixbite.

Beryl is a mineral that forms in pegmatitic and granite environments, usually seen in very large crystals. These stones are relatively hard (7.5–8 on the Mohs scale of hardness), making it suitable for use in jewelry such as rings and pendants. It’s prized for its range of colors, from green to blue, yellow, pink, and even colorless. While beryl crystals can occur in almost any color, the presence of different trace elements determines the color it will be.

Emerald: Green Beryl

Emerald is the most famous type of beryl. Its deep green color is due to the presence of chromium and sometimes vanadium. Emerald is used in all sorts of jewelry including pendants, necklaces, earrings, rings and engagement.

Characteristics Of Emerald

• Color: Emeralds range from a rich, deep green to lighter shades, but the most popular emeralds feature an intense, pure green color. The color should be even throughout the stone, which determines the value.
• Hardness: 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale.
• Clarity: Emeralds are known for their inclusions, which are called "jardins" (French for "gardens"). These inclusions can actually add to the gem’s uniqueness, and some collectors consider them a mark of authenticity. But normally they are filled so they are harder to see, especially when set into jewelry.
• Rarity and Value: Emeralds are rarer than many other beryl, which makes them highly valuable. The quality of color, clarity, and size determines their price in the marketplace.
• Sources: Major sources of Emerald include Colombia, Zambia, and Brazil. But they are being found in other countries such as Madagascar.
• Birthstone: Emerald Beryl is the birthstone for May.

Aquamarine: Blue Beryl

Color: Aquamarine’s color ranges from a pale blue to a deep blue, with the most desirable shades being those with a slightly greenish hue. Here at Moriarty's Gem Art, Aquamarine is one of our most popular gemstones; for rings, pendants, earrings and even engagement styles.

Characteristics of Aquamarine:

• Color: The blue is caused by the presence of iron in the crystal structure. A vivid blue color is most sought after and the most popular on the market.
• Hardness: 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale, making it durable and suitable for all types of jewelry from rings to pendants to earrings.
• Clarity: Aquamarines are often quite clear, with few inclusions. The less inclusions, the more valuable they are.
• Rarity and Value: Aquamarines are very common compared to the green beryl, emerald, which we talked about earlier, but high-quality stones, particularly those with deeper blue hues, are still highly valued and harder to come by.
• Sources: The primary sources of Aquamarine are Brazil, Madagascar, and Zambia.
• Symbolism: Emeralds are thought to symbolize rebirth and love.
• Birthstone: Aquamarine Beryl is the birthstone for March.
• Jewelry: We have Blue Beryl jewelry including rings and pendants.

Morganite: Pink Beryl

Color: Morganite is a beautiful pink to peach-colored beryl, and its color is caused by trace amounts of manganese.

Characteristics of Morganite:

• Color: Morganite can range in color from light peach to vibrant pink. The finest morganites are a soft pink or peach with good clarity. You can find many of them here at Moriarty's Gem Art.
• Hardness: 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale.
• Clarity: Morganite generally exhibits excellent clarity, with few inclusions visible to the naked eye.
• Rarity and Value: Morganite is relatively new on the gemstone scene but has grown in popularity for its romantic color and clarity. It's considered a more affordable option compared to other beryl gemstones.
• Sources: Madagascar, Brazil, and Afghanistan are significant sources of morganite.
• Symbolism: Linked to tranquility, calm, and protection for sailors.
• Birthstone: Morganite Beryl is not a birthstone.
• Jewelry: We have Morganite or Pink Beryl rings, pendants and even earrings available.

Heliodor: Yellow Beryl

Color: Heliodor is a yellow to yellow-green variety of beryl, with the color typically caused by the presence of iron.

Characteristics of Heliodor:

• Color: The color ranges from a golden yellow to a greenish yellow. The more vivid yellow tones are highly sought after. That is what is sold here at Moriarty's Gem Art.
• Hardness: 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale, making it perfect in jewelry.
• Clarity: Heliodor is typically a transparent yellow with excellent clarity.
• Rarity and Value: Heliodor is far less common than aquamarine or emerald, making it a bit rarer, though it is often more affordable, especially in comparison to Emerald.
• Sources: Heliodor can be found in Brazil, Sri Lanka, and Africa.
• Symbolism: Seen as stones of compassion and unconditional love.
• Birthstone: Heliodor beryl is not a birthstone.

Beryl is a very versatile and colorful gemstone family that offers a range of options to suit different tastes and preferences. Whether you are drawn to the green of emerald, the blue of aquamarine, or the soft pink peach of morganite, beryl offers something for everyone. Here at Moriarty's Gem Art we would love to help you set one of our amazing beryl gemstones in an amazing piece of jewelry.