Chemical Properties of Beryl
The mineral beryl is beryllium aluminum cyclosilicate, Be3Al2(Si6O18). Trace metal substances give beryl color. As an example, aquamarine contains ferric ion (yellow) that under heat reduced to ferrous ion, giving it its characteristic blue color.
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Beryl is found mostly in granitic pegmatites, which are rocks. Pegmatites develop large grain structure, thus allowing for crystal formation. Russia is known for heliodor, Columbia for emeralds, and California for Morganite. Aquamarine crystals are found in Brazil, Pakistan and the U.S.
Beryllium Ore
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Beryllium metal is prepared from non-gem quality beryl. Beryllium is extremely poisonous, especially by dust inhalation. It is used to harden other metals, especially copper. Specialty ceramics also use beryllium oxide.
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Crystal Structure
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Beryl's crystalline exhibits the dihexagonal dipyramidal crystal structure, which means it is tall and vertical with two aligned hexagonal faceplates.
Cyclosilicates
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A feature of special interest is beryl's cyclosilicate structure. Cyclosilicates are ring structures consisting of linked SiO4 tetrahedra. Although cyclosilicates come in a variety of ring sizes, beryl has six silica portions per ring.
Vertical Hexagonal Channels
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The empty centers of the large silica rings can be occupied by alkali metals, water or carbon dioxide molecules. Devices called quantum paramagnetic amplifiers use beryl's ordinarily empty channels.
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Cliff
