The facts
What beryllonite actually is
Mineralogically, beryllonite is beryllonite — NaBe(PO₄), crystallising in the monoclinic system.
The colour is caused by essentially colourless to pale straw-yellow; colour-causing impurities are minimal. That is worth knowing because it determines what heating, light and time can and cannot do to the stone.
A refractometer reads 1.552–1.562, and the specific gravity sits near 2.80–2.85; cleavage is perfect {010}, good {100}.
Where beryllonite comes from
The recognised sources are Stak Nala and Shigar Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, Paprok, Nuristan, Afghanistan and Newry (Stoneham), Oxford County, Maine, USA (type locality).
Origin affects price in this material, so we name the locality on every quote rather than the country. "African" or "Asian" tells a buyer nothing.
How beryllonite is treated
Untreated. A colourless collector stone whose interest is its rarity rather than its appearance; the perfect cleavage makes cutting difficult and wear inadvisable.
None of this is a problem when it is said out loud. It becomes one the moment it is left out.
What beryllonite is confused with
The usual confusions are Quartz, Phenakite, Danburite, Scapolite and Topaz.
The separation is rarely a matter of opinion: refractive index 1.552–1.562 and specific gravity 2.80–2.85 settle most of it in a minute, and magnification settles the rest.
What beryllonite is used for
Beryllonite is bought by mineral collecting — and each of those trades wants a different form of the same material.
We quote each application in the unit that trade actually buys in, by the specimen.
Durability and care
Hardness 5.5–6; cleavage perfect {010}, good {100}. That combination decides what it can safely be set into.
Hardness is not the whole story. Perfect cleavage means the stone can split cleanly if struck along the wrong plane, whatever its Mohs number, so a protective setting matters more here than the hardness suggests.
Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners on anything fracture-filled, stabilised, dyed or visibly included.
What beryllonite costs
Indicative pricing for beryllonite is Faceted stones $50–$250/ct; fine Pakistani crystals $100–$3,000.
That is a range, not a quote. Colour, size, clarity, cut and origin move the figure a long way inside it, and the only honest price is one given against a specific stone. Send us what you need and we will price it.
Questions
Is beryllonite treated, and how?
Untreated. A colourless collector stone whose interest is its rarity rather than its appearance; the perfect cleavage makes cutting difficult and wear inadvisable.
Where does beryllonite come from?
Stak Nala and Shigar Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, Paprok, Nuristan, Afghanistan and Newry (Stoneham), Oxford County, Maine, USA (type locality). Origin affects price, so we name the locality rather than the country on every quote.
Is beryllonite hard enough to wear every day?
With care. It is 5.5–6 on the Mohs scale, which is hard enough, but perfect {010}, good {100} cleavage means it can split if struck at the wrong angle. Use a protective setting and avoid ultrasonic cleaning.
How much does beryllonite cost?
Indicatively Faceted stones $50–$250/ct; fine Pakistani crystals $100–$3,000. Colour, size, clarity and origin move the price a long way within that, so treat it as a range and ask for a quote against a specific stone.
What is beryllonite confused with?
Most often Quartz, Phenakite, Danburite, Scapolite and Topaz. A refractive index of 1.552–1.562 and a specific gravity near 2.80–2.85 separate it quickly.
Related stones
Looking for beryllonite?
Tell us the size, the quality and what it is for. We source it, photograph it and quote it — with the locality named.
Ask about beryllonite