Red Beryl
Last updated: April 2026
Red beryl (bixbite) is colored by Mn²⁺ and found almost exclusively in the Wah Wah Mountains of Utah. Beryl RI/SG are the primary diagnostic tools. Faceted stones over 1 carat are very rare.
Physical & Optical Properties
RI Range1.564–1.574
SG Range2.66–2.70
SG Typical2.68
Hardness (Mohs)7.5–8
Crystal SystemHexagonal
Optic CharacterDR Uniaxial (−)
Birefringence0.007
Dispersion0.014
Fluorescence LWInert
Fluorescence SWInert
Chelsea FilterInert
PleochroismStrong Dichroic
ColorsRed Pink
SpeciesBeryl
VarietyBixbite
Related: Beryl Varieties
Key Differentiators
- Extremely rare — essentially restricted to Wah Wah Mountains, Utah; faceted stones over 1ct are exceptional
- Beryl RI (1.564–1.574) and SG (~2.68) clearly distinguish from ruby (RI 1.762, SG 4.00) and red spinel (isotropic, RI 1.718)
- Chelsea filter inert — Mn²⁺ coloring does not produce Chelsea reaction
- Strong dichroism (red/orange-red) — distinguishes from isotropic red spinel
- Almost always heavily included with growth tubes; clean large stones essentially nonexistent
Natural vs. Synthetic
Synthetic red beryl is commercially available (Hydrothermal). Distinguishing natural from synthetic typically requires microscopic examination of internal features.
- Microscopy: Growth tubes, two-phase inclusions, crystal inclusions typical of pegmatite/rhyolite origin; highly included Synthetic: Hydrothermal synthetic shows two-phase inclusions along growth planes (chevron/nailhead spicule pattern), more inclusion-free zones, fewer crystal inclusions
GemID Pro includes a two-phase natural vs. synthetic testing protocol for Red Beryl.
Start Free TrialCommon Simulants
- Ruby: Corundum RI 1.762–1.778, SG 4.00; Chelsea red from Cr; strong dichroism; much higher RI and density than red beryl
- Red Spinel: Isotropic (SR), RI 1.718, SG 3.60; no pleochroism; Chelsea may show red; much higher RI than red beryl
- Rubellite Tourmaline: RI 1.624–1.644 (higher than red beryl), birefringence 0.018 (much higher), SG 3.06; growth tubes; different RI range
- Red Glass: Isotropic; gas bubbles, swirl marks; no natural inclusions; variable RI
Treatments
- Heat Treatment (rare — generally not practiced)
Price Context
Natural — low ($/ct)$1,000
Natural — high ($/ct)$20,000
NoteOne of the rarest and most expensive gems by weight; $1000–20000/ct for faceted natural red beryl. Stones over 1ct are exceptional. Even rough commands high prices. Primary market is collectors and specialist dealers.
Synthetic — low ($/ct)$50
Synthetic — high ($/ct)$200
Price context is approximate. GemID is not an appraisal tool. Results are indicators, not certified valuations.
Measurement Guides
Identifying a red beryl? GemID walks through these tests in order — RI, SG, fluorescence, and more.
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