Photo of Beryllonite in Processed & Rough Form
Beryllonite is a mineral with a hardness of 6 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness [?]. These Monoclinicly structured gems are made of sodium beryllium phosphate, their full chemical compound being NaBePO4.
Beryllonite is a clear gem/mineral that gets its name from its high content of beryllium. There are very few gem quality pieces that have been produced.
Beryllonite can be found in Pakistan, Brazil, Finland, and Maine. It has a color streak of white, and a vitreous luster.
Why does Beryllonite glow after exposure to light?
Beryllonite exhibits distinct phosphorescence, continuing to glow after exposure to UV light. This unique property, along with its rarity, makes it particularly valued by collectors.
Is Beryllonite related to Beryl?
Despite containing beryllium, Beryllonite is a phosphate mineral unrelated to the beryl family. Its chemical composition is NaBePO4, making it distinctly different from beryl's silicate structure.
Why are faceted Beryllonites so rare?
Most specimens are too small or flawed for faceting. Clean, facetable material is extremely rare. Most known specimens are under 2 carats, with larger stones typically having inclusions.
Where do the best specimens come from?
The finest specimens historically came from Stoneham, Maine (USA). Notable pieces have also been found in Brazil and Afghanistan, but quality facetable material remains scarce from all locations.
How can I identify genuine Beryllonite?
Look for distinctive phosphorescence, perfect cleavage in two directions, and hardness of 5.5-6. Its high refractive index gives it notable brilliance. Professional testing may be needed for definitive identification.
Why isn't Beryllonite used in jewelry?
Its relative softness, perfect cleavage, and extreme rarity make it impractical for jewelry use. Most specimens are preserved for mineral collections rather than being cut for wear.
The specific gravity [?] for Beryllonite is 2.83, its refractive index [?] is 1.55-1.56, and its double refraction [?] is 0.009.
History
Beryllonite can be found in Pakistan, Brazil, Finland, Quebec, Afghanistan, and Maine. It has a color streak of white, and a vitreous luster.
Industrial Usages
We have found no evidence of its industrial usage as of yet.
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