RocksdayBeryl vs Red Beryl
To tell Beryl from Red Beryl: Red beryl is the same mineral, colored by manganese, and gem crystals are essentially from Utah.
A beryllium silicate behind emerald (green), aquamarine (blue) and morganite (pink). It grows as neat six-sided columns with flat ends.
Photo: Reno Chris at English Wikipedia, Public domain
Beryl colored red by manganese. Gem crystals are known essentially from the Wah Wah Mountains of Utah.
Photo: Parent Géry, Public domain
Key differences
- Red beryl is the same mineral, colored by manganese, and gem crystals are essentially from Utah.
- Other beryl is green, blue, pink or yellow, not this red.
Side by side
| Property | Beryl | Red Beryl |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Mineral | Mineral |
| Mohs hardness | 7.5–8 | 7.5–8 |
| Luster | Vitreous | Vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Colors | Green, Blue, Pink, Yellow | Red, Pink |
| Crystal system | Hexagonal | Hexagonal |
| Specific gravity | 2.63–2.92 | 2.66–2.7 |
| Formula | Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈ | Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈ |
| Found in | Muzo, Colombia; Minas Gerais, Brazil | Wah Wah Mountains, Utah |
Properties that are the same for both are grayed out.
How to identify beryl
- Six-sided columns with flat, not pointed, ends.
- Harder than quartz (7.5–8).
- Glassy, often with lengthwise lines.
- Found in granite pegmatites.
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Full Beryl guide →How to identify red beryl
- Raspberry-red hexagonal crystals, usually small.
- Hardness 7.5–8.
- In light-colored volcanic rhyolite, not in a marble or a pegmatite like most emerald.
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Full Red Beryl guide →More comparisons
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between beryl and red beryl?
Beryl is a mineral (Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈) with a Mohs hardness of 7.5–8 and a vitreous luster, usually green, blue, pink or yellow. Red Beryl is a mineral (Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈) with a Mohs hardness of 7.5–8 and a vitreous luster, usually red or pink.
How can you tell beryl from red beryl?
Red beryl is the same mineral, colored by manganese, and gem crystals are essentially from Utah. Other beryl is green, blue, pink or yellow, not this red.
Could you tell them apart from a blurry close-up?
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