TERRIUM — A mineralogy cabinet

Berilo Aguamarina

Berilo is a mineral with formula Be₃Al₂(Si₆O₁₈), in the Silicatos (Ciclosilicatos) group. This specimen comes from Mina de Berilo de Pingwu, Pingwu, Sichuan, China and joined the Terrium collection in 2005.

Berilo Aguamarina from Mina de Berilo de Pingwu, Pingwu, Sichuan, China — Terrium

Description

Two well-formed, transparent, light-blue aquamarine prismatic crystals with visible rutile inclusions, set on a lamellar white mica matrix of foliated habit that gives marked contrast. Visually balanced specimen.

History of this specimen

I know it belonged to the Badìa-Barbè collection in Cornellà and later passed to Aleidy Soliveres as no. 1656. Collected c. 20 years ago; I regard it as representative of Pingwu and of limited circulation.

About Berilo

Beryl is a cyclosilicate of aluminium and beryllium. Its blue colour is due to traces of iron, producing the variety known as aquamarine. Valued for its transparency and vitreous lustre, it is typically found associated with micas, feldspars and quartz in granitic pegmatites.

About the locality

The Pingwu beryl mine, Sichuan, is noted for producing aquamarines with high clarity and crystal quality. Specimens with visible inclusions are less common and much valued among collectors.

Technical data

Catalogue No.
0130
Composition
Be₃Al₂(Si₆O₁₈)
Name
Berilo
Variety
Aguamarina
Group
Silicatos (Ciclosilicatos)
Category
Meritum Persé
Matrix
Mica dominante
Associations
mica blanca
Mine
Mina de Berilo de Pingwu
District / Municipality
Pingwu
Province
Sichuan
Country
China
Size (cm)
5 x 3 x 2
Weight
43 g
Acquired
2005
Ex-collection
Badìa-Barbè > Aleidy Soliveres
Etymology
From Latin "beryllus", an old term for bluish-green gemstones. "Aquamarine", from Latin "aqua marina", "sea water", for its characteristic hue. From "Beryll" derive the German "Brille" (spectacles), the Dutch "bril", and, in Spanish, "brillo".
Quality
Muy buena
Value trend
Estable

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