History of Beryl in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 1, 2024

Beryl is a mineral with the chemical formula Be3Al2Si6O18. It is composed of beryllium aluminium silicate. Notable varieties include emerald and aquamarine. Beryl crystals are naturally hexagonal and can grow quite large, though terminated crystals are uncommon. While pure beryl is colorless, impurities often tint it various colors, such as green, blue, yellow, pink, and red (the rarest). It serves as an ore source of beryllium.

1904: First Description and Naming of Red Beryl

The red variety of beryl, initially called "bixbite", was first described in 1904. This discovery originated from Maynard's Claim in Utah, which became its type locality. The name "bixbite" was later deprecated by CIBJO to avoid confusion with the mineral bixbyite.

1958: Discovery of Gem-Quality Red Beryl in Utah

In 1958, Lamar Hodges discovered a significant deposit of gem-quality red beryl at the Ruby-Violet Claim in Utah's Wah Wah Mountains. This discovery became a primary source for this rare variety of beryl.

1964: Commercial Production of Synthetic Emeralds by Pierre Gilson Sr.

In 1964, Pierre Gilson Sr. began commercially producing synthetic emeralds using a flux-growth method. His process involved growing emerald layers on natural colorless beryl seeds, resulting in convincing synthetic emeralds.

1998: Discovery of Emeralds in Yukon

In 1998, emerald deposits were discovered in Yukon, Canada, adding a new source to the list of emerald-producing regions.

1999: Discovery of the World's Largest Beryl Crystal

In 1999, the world's largest known naturally occurring beryl crystal was found in Malakialina, Madagascar. This massive crystal measures 18 meters long, 3.5 meters in diameter, and weighs an astounding 380,000 kilograms.