RocksdayEuclase vs Goshenite
To tell Euclase from Goshenite: Goshenite is colorless beryl, hexagonal and lighter.
A hard beryllium silicate, usually pale blue or colorless, with one perfect cleavage that makes it risky to set in jewelry.
Photo: Robert M. Lavinsky, CC BY-SA 3.0
Colorless beryl — the same mineral as emerald and aquamarine, without the impurities that give those their color.
Photo: Géry PARENT, CC BY-SA 3.0
Key differences
- Goshenite is colorless beryl, hexagonal and lighter.
Side by side
| Property | Euclase | Goshenite |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Mineral | Mineral |
| Mohs hardness | 7.5 | 7.5–8 |
| Luster | Vitreous | Vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Colors | Blue, Green, White, Clear | Clear, White |
| Crystal system | Monoclinic | Hexagonal |
| Specific gravity | 3–3.1 | 2.7–2.9 |
| Formula | BeAlSiO₄(OH) | Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈ |
| Found in | Minas Gerais, Brazil; Chivor, Colombia | Goshen, Massachusetts; Minas Gerais, Brazil |
Properties that are the same for both are grayed out.
How to identify euclase
- Pale blue or colorless prismatic crystals.
- Hardness 7.5, but it splits on a flat plane if bumped.
- Heavier than beryl of the same size.
Crystal system: Monoclinic
Full Euclase guide →How to identify goshenite
- Water-clear six-sided columns with flat ends.
- Harder than quartz.
- Often in pegmatites with other beryl.
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Full Goshenite guide →More comparisons
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between euclase and goshenite?
Euclase is a mineral with a Mohs hardness of 7.5 and a vitreous luster, usually blue, green, white or colorless. Goshenite is a mineral (Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈) with a Mohs hardness of 7.5–8 and a vitreous luster, usually colorless or white.
How can you tell euclase from goshenite?
Goshenite is colorless beryl, hexagonal and lighter.
Could you tell them apart from a blurry close-up?
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