Goshenite on mica Brazil Ref385

Beryl: Goshenite on mica from Brazil (old collection).

Stone dimensions: 26mm x 31mm x H : 34mm.

Weight with base: 54g.

Chemical composition: goshenite is a colorless variety of beryl, with the chemical formula Be₃Al₂(SiO₃)₆. It is chemically identical to other varieties of beryl such as emerald and aquamarine, but lacks the chromophoric impurities responsible for the color.

Hardness: On the Mohs scale, goshenite's hardness is between 7.5 and 8, making it a resistant mineral comparable to other varieties of beryl.

Density: The density of goshenite varies between 2.66 and 2.80 g/cm³.

Goshenite takes its name from the town of Goshen in Massachusetts, USA, where it was first identified. This mineral has historically been used to make lenses and prisms, thanks to its high transparency and optical purity. In jewelry, although less prized than its coloured cousins such as emerald or aquamarine, goshenite was once used as an imitation of diamonds, notably in crown jewelry.