Photo of Heliodor Beryl in Processed & Rough Form
Heliodor Beryl is a mineral with a hardness of 8 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness [?]. These Hexagonally structured gems are made of beryllium aluminum silicate, their full chemical compound being Be3Al2(SiO3)6.
Heliodor is a gem variety of Beryl with golden-yellow or light yellow-green color. In many cases heliodor is also used to include gems known as Golden beryl/ Golden emerald, though not to be confused with gold beryl. It is sometimes hard to establish a dividing line between heliodor and golden beryl.
Its main characteristic is its color, which is the yellow-green of olive oil. Its pigment is uranium oxide, radioactive.
Yellower versions can look very much like olivine, and is very similar to chrysoberyl and some yellow-green tourmalines, but the difference can be easily established by measuring its physical characteristics.
It is pegmatite-hosted, and like all beryls, occurs as prismatic crystals, which are sometimes terminated with small pyramids. The crystals are often striated parallel to their length, and may be of vast size; specimens up to 18 feet long have been recorded. It also forms in massive, compact, and columnar habits. It is transparent to translucent, with a vitreous luster.
Yellow beryls are obtained from practically all the localities mentioned for aquamarine. Particular localities are Madagascar, Brazil and Namibia. In Namibia, heliodor is found in association with aquamarine and a yellowish green variety at Klein Spitzkopie near Rossing on the Otavi railway east of Swakopmund, and also between Aiais and Gaibes on the Fish river. Some yellow beryls have been reported to show radioactivity due to their containing a trace of uranium oxide. A deep yellowish red variety of beryl, called "berilo bocade fogo" (fire-mouth beryl), comes from Santa Maria do Suassui in Minas Gerais (Brazil). Many localities in the USA produce yellow beryl but the only one of importance is the Merryall or Roebling mine at New Milford, Connecticut.
Other names for heliodor include eliodoro (Italian), heliodoro (Spanish)
Is Heliodor different from Golden Beryl?
Heliodor and Golden Beryl are the same stone - both names describe yellow to golden beryl. The name Heliodor comes from Greek words meaning "gift of the sun." Some prefer Golden Beryl for marketing as it's more descriptive.
Why do some Heliodors appear greenish?
Iron content causes the yellow color, but varying amounts can create greenish-yellow tints. Pure golden colors are most valued. Some stones may appear more green in artificial light due to pleochroism.
Does Heliodor fade in sunlight?
Unlike some yellow gems, Heliodor's color is typically stable in sunlight. However, prolonged exposure should still be avoided. Some rare specimens may show subtle color changes with heat or strong light.
Why is Brazilian Heliodor considered best?
Brazilian deposits, particularly from Minas Gerais, produce crystals with exceptional clarity and pure golden colors. These stones typically show fewer inclusions and better transparency than material from other sources.
How does Heliodor compare to Imperial Topaz?
While both show golden colors, Heliodor is typically less expensive. It's softer (7.5-8 vs 8) but often shows better clarity. Imperial Topaz usually displays more orange tones and commands higher prices.
Are large Heliodors rare?
Clean Heliodors over 5 carats are uncommon but not as rare as large aquamarines or emeralds. The challenge is finding large stones with pure golden color without greenish tints.
Is Heliodor ever treated?
Unlike many gemstones, Heliodor is rarely treated. Most material on the market is natural. Some stones may be heated to improve color, but this practice is not common due to the stability of natural colors.
The specific gravity [?] for Heliodor Beryl is 2.8, its refractive index [?] is 1.57-1.58, and its double refraction [?] is 0.005.
History
Heliodor has a name coined fairly recently, meaning "sun-gilded" or "gift of the sun." In olden times, heliodor was known as "chrysoberyl." It was discovered in 1910 in Namibia, but similar stones had previously been known in Brazil and Madagascar.
Industrial Usages
Brightly colored specimens of Golden beryl are in demand with collectors and connoisseurs but among the lesser varieties of beryl, it is not one of the most valuable. On the other hand, Heliodor is valued by collectors at least as highly as aquamarine, and is not common on the market.
The normally medium or largish stones are generally given an oval, or more rarely, a step cut. They may have the liquid inclusions typical of beryl, but are usually quite clear.
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