What is Red Beryl?
Red Beryl is the rare red gem variety of beryl, prized for saturated colour, scarcity and its association with unusual rhyolitic volcanic systems.
Mineralogy and crystal structure
Reference formula: Be3Al2Si6O18. Red Beryl is a variety of beryl coloured primarily by manganese. The selected structure is a labelled representative hexagonal beryl model, not a claim that the variety is a separate species. Provenance and laboratory confirmation matter because imitations are common. Red Beryl is classified with silicates and has a hexagonal crystal system. Typical hardness is 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale and specific gravity is approximately 2.6–2.9.
Colour, lustre and habit
Typical colours include red, raspberry-red, pink-red. The usual prismatic, tabular, granular habit and vitreous lustre help describe a specimen, but colour alone is not diagnostic.
Formation and notable localities
Red Beryl forms in or is associated with rhyolitic cavities and hydrothermal environments enriched in beryllium, manganese and alkalis. Important documented localities include Utah in the United States, especially the Wah Wah Mountains, with very limited authenticated material elsewhere.
A scarce red beryl with collector-grade colour
Red Beryl sells on a combination of colour, rarity and provenance. Even small transparent pieces can be valuable, while natural crystals in matrix are sought after because they document the volcanic cavity where the gem formed.
Collecting and care
Protect from impact and harsh heat. Clean gently with warm soapy water; avoid ultrasonic or steam cleaning when fractures, fillings or inclusions are present.
