Beryl is a silicate mineral in which the silicate molecule combines with the metals aluminum and beryllium. It crystallises in six-sided prisms which belong to the hexagonal system
The family name beryl is used to describe stones which are not distinctly green enough to be classified as emeralds or stones where the color may be borderline between yellow and green. Stones like these could be called green beryl or yellow green beryl. Green beryl can usually be heated to remove the green and improve the blue resulting in the more valuable variety, aquamarine.
A new form of saturated pink - red color beryl has been recently discovered in Madagascar and Afghanistan. With a refractive index up to 1.615 and a density up to 3.10, the values exceed the previously known properties for beryl. Chemical analyses reveal very high cesium concentrations of over 15% Cs2O. Based on chemical composition, spectral data and color saturation some gemologists suggest the mineral should be named morganite while others refer to it as bixbite, the accepted name for red beryl from Utah, USA. The extremely high content of Caesium may suggest the introduction of a new name within the beryl group and the matter is under discussion. Gem quality bixbite is very rare and the largest faceted gemstones are less than three carats in size.
Aquamarine, the "gem of the sea", derives its name from "sea water". The reference is obvious: aqua sparkles like the sea and its color is pale to medium blue, sometimes with a slight hint of green. Aquamarine is the birthstone for March. Legends say that it is the treasure of mermaids, with the power to keep sailors safe at sea. Aquamarine protects against the wiles of the devil. A dream of aquamarine means that you will meet new friends.
