Beryl is a common mineral and in certain color modifications, a valuable gem material. It has a hardness of about 8 and a specific gravity about 2.8. Chemically it consists of aluminum beryllium silicate, and it is the chief commercial ore of beryllium. Pure beryl is colorless and transparent. Emerald, one of the most valuable of gems is a variety that is colored green by minute amounts of chromium. Aquamarine, also a gemstone is a blue beryl, more common than emerald. Golden beryl and morganite or rose beryl are less valuable. Colorless beryl is used occasionally as a gem under the name goshenite.

Beryl has a vitreous luster with little fire or brilliancy, and so its value depends on hardness, transparency and color. Beryl crystallizes in the hexagonal system and crystals weighing over a ton are not uncommon. Crystals of that size, however, are invariable opaque and imperfect, and therefore valueless as gem material. Large transparent crystals of the colored varieties are occasionally found.

Magic & Myth

Golden beryl is said to protect the wearer from being manipulated. Almost all colors of beryl, including the golden are said to increase psychic awareness. With its beautiful golden color it would be associated with the sun.