Grainger Hall of Gems | Gallery of Gems | Emeralds, Aquamarine, & Other Beryls

A Mineral with Many Names

Although beryls go by many names, they all share the same basic chemical composition. A silicate, beryls are made of an oxygen-silicon bond, paired with the elements aluminum and beryllium. Together, these elements create a distinctive six-sided, colorless crystal that is hard enough to withstand scratches and clear enough to have wonderful luster.

You may not have heard of beryl, but you’re probably familiar with some of its gem varieties—especially emeralds and aquamarines. Impurities give these beryls their distinctive colors. To create a lush, green emerald, add a little chromium. To get a crystal-clear blue aquamarine, add a little iron, instead.

Continue to Emerald, Aquamarine, and Other Beryls: From Colorless to Clear Blue. >>