Goshenite (Beryl)

Goshenite is the pure and colorless variety of the beryl family. It has been used to imitate diamond or emerald. That is done by placing silver or green-colored metal foil behind a cut goshenite gemstone. Then, placing the stone in a closed setting so that the foil cannot be detected. Goshnite crystals have hexagonal outline.

Pale and colorless beryl was once used for the lenses in spectacles. Hence, the German word for spectacles, brille, may have been derived from the word ‘beryl.’

Occurrence

Goshenite is named after Goshen, Massachusetts, in the USA, where it was first found. Present localities include Canada, Brazil, and the former USSR.

Goshenite Properties

• Specific Gravity: 2.80
• Refractive Index: 1.58-1.59
• Birefringence (DR): 0.008
• Luster: Vitreous
• Crystal Structure: Hexagonal
• Composition: Beryllium aluminum silicate
• Hardness: 7½

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Crystals Directory

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Birthstone

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