Heliodor (golden beryl)

You may also know golden beryl under the trade name heliodor. It is a gemstone variety of golden-yellow or yellow-green beryl. It was first discovered in 1913 in Namibia in pegmatite deposits together with aquamarine. Hardness 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale. Natural heliodor/golden beryl is relatively rare, found only in a few deposits in the world - namely in Ukraine (Volodarsk-Volyn), Brazil (Minas Gerais), Namibia (Arandis) and the USA (Connecticut).

Heliodor - a golden variety of beryl
Heliodor is a yellow to golden-green variety of beryl with the chemical formula Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈. The name comes from the Greek helios (sun) and doron (gift) - i.e. "gift of the sun".

Appearance and properties of heliodor
Heliodor crystallizes in a hexagonal system and is characterized by high clarity and glassy luster. The hardness reaches 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale. The color ranges from light yellow to deep golden green, with pure and radiant shades being the most valued.

Heliodor deposits
Significant heliodor deposits are found in Brazil, Namibia, Ukraine, Russia and Madagascar. Beautiful crystals come mainly from the Ukrainian Volyn region.

History and uses of heliodor
Heliodor was discovered at the beginning of the 20th century and soon gained popularity as a collector's and jewelry stone. Due to its hardness and color, it is used for setting jewelry and as a decorative mineral.