Posted by: MikeS Jun 1 2015, 05:44 PM
Beryl
System: Hexagonal
Hardness: 7.5-8
Specific Gravity 2.65-2.90
Streak: White
Transparent to translucent.
Imperfect basal cleavage
Vitreous luster
Gem quality Beryl can go under other names depending on the color: Aquamarine(blue), Goshenite(clear/colorless), Heliodor(Yellow), Morganite(pink) and Emerald(green).
A few of then can fluoresce under UV light (Morganite/lilac color)(Heliodor/blue)
Colorado has several geological systems that have produced Beryl, however finding gem quality Beryl can be rare. Most notable is Aquamarine from Mt. Antero area. Aquamarine is the Colorado State Gemstone.
I met up with a few Club Members to prospect an area that I had seen some Beryl that is showing signs of gem quality. I didn't find any crystals but I did find some mostly clear broken chunks and a large foggy chunk that has decent pink color.
This mostly clear chunk is 3/8" thick.
This is the one piece I found that showed some decent color.
The hunt continues.............
Posted by: Mrs.CP Jun 2 2015, 06:46 AM
Excellent information and pictures of your Beryl finds Mike. I really like the pink and yellow ones, very pretty. I bet some of those pieces would cab out nicely, the hardness is right for it.
Great thread, thanks for posting it up for us and sharing pics of your finds.
Such great information and pics that I added it to the http://www.coloradoprospector.com/Gems&Minerals/Beryl.html of the website yesterday. 
