RED BERYL

ALSO KNOWN AS RED EMERALD

TREATMENT-NONE

REDDISH COLOUR 

UTAH

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What Is Red Beryl?

Red beryl is an extremely rare variety of beryl that receives its red color from trace amounts of manganese. In the entire world, crystals suitable for cutting gems have been found in only one location, the Ruby-Violet claims in the Wah Wah Mountains of Beaver County, Utah. The Utah Geological Survey estimated that one crystal of red beryl is found for every 150,000 gem-quality diamonds. [1]

Red beryl has been found at a few locations in Utah (Wildhorse Springs, Topaz Valley, Starvation Canyon), New Mexico (Beryllium Virgin prospect, Black Range, East Grants Ridge), and Mexico (San Luis Potosi). [2] At these locations, crystals of red beryl are normally just a few millimeters in length and are too small

Why Is Red Beryl So Rare?

Red beryl is a rare mineral because its formation requires a unique geochemical environment. First, the element beryllium must be present in large enough amounts to form minerals. Second, manganese must be present and available at the same time and location. Third, the correct geochemical conditions must be present for beryllium, manganese, aluminum, silicon, and oxygen to crystallize into red beryl. For gem-quality red beryl to form, fractures and cavities must also be available to serve as a space for nice crystals to grow.