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About Golden Beryl
Golden Beryl is sometimes called heliodor, from the Greek words helios and doron, meaning gift from the sun. Heliodor was first discovered and named at Rossing, Erongo, Western Namibia in 1910. Initially, only golden beryl found in Namibia was called heliodor, but today the name is often applied to different varieties of yellow and gold beryl. Technically, however, the name should only apply to beryl coloured by iron. Heliodor’s color is usually described as the yellow-green hue of olive oil though there isn’t an easily defined break between heliodor and golden beryl.
Because golden beryl is largely unknown, it is much more affordable than aquamarine. Golden beryl gemstones are an excellent choice for jewelry due to their hardness, toughness, and resistance to corrosive substances.
Today the most important deposits of golden beryl are in Sri Lanka and Namibia. Golden beryl is also found in the Ukraine, Northeast Tajikistan, Mursinsk, central Russia, and in Northern Nigeria. In the United States, it can be found in Litchfield County, Connecticut.
Varieties of beryl have been considered gemstones since prehistoric times. In the Bible, in Ezekiel 1:16, the wheels of God’s throne are described as having the appearance of “gleaming beryl”.
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Health & Spiritual Benefits
Legend says that beryl was once used to ward off demons and evil spirits and that it can protect the wearer from dangers whilst traveling. Other legends also state that beryl can be used to bring about good luck, cheerfulness, energy, and maintain youthfulness.
Heliodor has been called the stone of the gods and the gateway to light. It has been said to enhance the wearer’s intuition and compassion. It can help us to strengthen our self reliance and confidence, encouraging maturity and allowing us to feel prepared for anything.
Ancient literature notes that Pliny used powdered beryl to cure eye injuries and colourless beryl was used to make eyeglasses. Beryl is metaphysically attributed with the ability to cure a number of intestinal and stomach ills, such as nausea, ulcers, and seasickness. It is also said to be effective at treating disorders of the heart and spine. Beryl gems can be useful in the treatment of concussions and damage to the cranial portions on the head.
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Physical Characteristics
Golden Beryl ranges from yellow, lemon yellow to golden yellow and greenish-yellow. Fine gems with an intense yellow are rare. Golden beryl is sometimes heated at low temperatures to fully unlock its color. This treatment is permanent.
Heliodor rates a 7.5 to 8 on the hardness scale. It is a brittle, vitreous (glass like), and transparent to translucent stone.
Rectangular or square step cuts are often used on pale yellow stones to give them more depth of colour. Perfect, transparent, six-sided crystals are occasionally worn uncut as necklace pendants. But in general loose golden beryl crystals can be faceted into a wide variety of gem cuts.
Beryl crystals can grow very large and the largest faceted golden beryl, 2,054 carats, is on display at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. Massive chunks of transparent beryl, usually morganite and heliodor are sometimes carved into ornamental figures. -
Durability & Care
With a hardness of 7.5-8, golden beryl jewellery is durable enough for everyday wear.
Care should be taken when storing beryls with other gems and jewelry as it can scratch softer gemstones and be scratched by sapphires. If possible, wrap them individually in a soft cloth or place them separately inside a fabric-lined jewelry box to prevent stones from rubbing against each other. Use mild soap or detergent and warm water to wipe down your stones with a soft cloth or brush.
Golden Beryl
Golden beryl is one of the gems for the 7th wedding anniversary.
Golden or Yellow Beryl is the yellow variety of beryl. Other colours in the Beryl family are: blue (Aquamarine), green (Emerald & Green Beryl), pink (Morganite ), colourless (White Beryl/Goshenite), and red (Bixbite from Utah).