Heliodor
A variety of Beryl
What is Heliodor?
Also called golden emerald, heliodor is a variety of beryl that is usually faceted and used in the gem industry. Its name comes from the Greek words helios, meaning sun, and doron, which means gift; the stone was once believed to be "the gift from the sun."
Uses & Applications
Heliodor is a highly ornamental yellow or yellow-green form of beryl with properties that make it suitable for use as a gemstone. It is very hard and clear, and good examples can be cut into faceted gems, although this isn't a mass-market gemstone. The mineral is also collected by mineralogists and gem collectors.
Healing Properties
Heliodor is said to be great for stress relief and to combat continual tiredness. It's also believed to encourage honesty and diminish the consequences of financial loss when used as a talisman. When worn or placed in your home, heliodor supposedly heightens happiness and revitalizes your energy, making you more upbeat and lively.
Optical Properties
- Refractive Index
- 1.566-1.579
- Birefringence
- 0.005-0.009
- Pleochroism
- Weak: golden-yellow, green-yellow
- Optical Character
- Uniaxial negative
- Dispersion
- 0.014
Market Value Factors
Pricing varies for every rock and mineral, so use these universal factors to gauge Heliodor before comparing listings or appraisals.
Size & Weight
Larger, intact specimens usually command higher prices.
Rarity & Demand
Scarce material or popular varieties sell at a premium.
Condition & Finish
Chips, repairs, and heavy wear lower value; clean prep helps.
Treatment & Provenance
Untreated specimens with documented locality are prized.
Heliodor Localities Map
See where Heliodor is found with a localities map, collecting zones, and geology context. Generate a sample map preview below.
Key Characteristics
Composition of Heliodor
Beryllium aluminium cyclosilicate
Quick Facts
Physical Properties
- Color
- Golden Yellow
- Hardness (Mohs)
- 7.5 - 8
- Density
- 2.68 - 2.72 g/cm³
- Streak
- White
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Crystal System
- Hexagonal
Chemical Properties
- Chemical Formula
- Be3Al2(Si6O18)
- Elements
- Al, Be, O, Si
Also Known As
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Heliodor FAQs
How do I identify Heliodor?
Heliodor can be identified by its hardness of 7.5 - 8 on the Mohs scale, Golden Yellow color, Vitreous luster, Hexagonal crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.
What color is Heliodor?
Heliodor typically appears in Golden Yellow. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.
How hard is Heliodor?
Heliodor has a hardness of 7.5 - 8 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a relatively hard mineral suitable for jewelry.
What is the composition of heliodor of Heliodor?
Beryllium aluminium cyclosilicate
