.75" Golden-Green Heliodor Crystal - Medina Mine, Brazil

Also known as golden beryl, this variety of beryl can be yellow, light green, orange, and even brown. However, the name golden beryl is typically only associated with heliodor crystals that display a golden-yellow color. This golden color is attributed to iron(III) cations within the crystal lattice.

Beryl is a mineral composed of beryllium aluminum cyclosilicate, with the chemical formula Be3Al2(SiO3)6. Naturally occurring beryl tends to form hexagonal crystals that can reach several meters in size if given the right conditions. Completely pure beryl will be transparent and colorless, while mineral impurities frequently tint the crystals color in most specimens.

Well known varieties of beryl include aquamarine and emerald, although beryl can also be green, blue, yellow, white and red, depending on the incorporated impurities during formation. Red beryl is its rarest form, and can currently only be found in New Mexico and Utah.