Phenakite

Real mineral · rare · Be₂SiO₄

Beryllium silicate forming colourless to pale crystals in granitic pegmatites. Its high refractive index produces strong brilliance when faceted. Rare enough that faceted specimens of any size are significant finds.

Identity

Formula

Be₂SiO₄

Chemical class

silicate

Also known as

Phenacite

Crystallography

Crystal system

trigonal

Habits

prismatic, rhombohedral

Fracture

conchoidal

Physical properties

Mohs hardness

7.5

Density

2.96 g/cm³

Luster

vitreous

Colors

colorless, white, pale yellow, pink

Streak

white

Transparency

transparent

Geology

Origins

igneous, hydrothermal

Host rocks

pegmatite, granite, mica schist

Associated minerals

Beryl, Tourmaline, chrysoberyl, Apatite

Geography

Russia, Brazil, USA, Norway, Madagascar

Classification

Rarity

rare

Gem quality

Yes

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