RocksdayGoshenite
Goshenite is a mineral (Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈) with a Mohs hardness of 7.5–8 and a vitreous luster, usually colorless or white.
Colorless beryl — the same mineral as emerald and aquamarine, without the impurities that give those their color.
How to identify goshenite
- Water-clear six-sided columns with flat ends.
- Harder than quartz.
- Often in pegmatites with other beryl.
Often confused with
Where it's found
- Goshen, Massachusetts
- Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Pakistan
- Namibia
- Ural Mountains, Russia
Uses
Gemstones, sometimes sold as a diamond look-alike.
Rock tumbling
Great for tumbling.
Did you know?
It was named for Goshen, Massachusetts, where it was first described.
Goshenite FAQ
What is goshenite?
Goshenite is a mineral (Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈) with a Mohs hardness of 7.5–8 and a vitreous luster, usually colorless or white. Colorless beryl — the same mineral as emerald and aquamarine, without the impurities that give those their color.
How do you identify goshenite?
Water-clear six-sided columns with flat ends. Harder than quartz. Often in pegmatites with other beryl.
How hard is goshenite?
Goshenite has a Mohs hardness of 7.5–8. Goshenite scratches glass, and a steel knife can't scratch it.
Where is goshenite found?
Notable localities include Goshen, Massachusetts; Minas Gerais, Brazil; Pakistan; Namibia; and Ural Mountains, Russia.
What is goshenite used for?
Gemstones, sometimes sold as a diamond look-alike.
Can you tumble goshenite?
Yes — it tumbles well.
What is goshenite often confused with?
Goshenite is most often confused with Quartz, Phenakite and Beryl. Quartz is softer and usually ends in a point. Phenakite is heavier and forms rhombs, not long hexagonal prisms. Goshenite is beryl with no coloring element.
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