Gem of the Month

Each month this section will feature either a topic of interest to gem lovers or one special gemstone with background on the material and its value.

Go to: Homepage -- what's new in faceted gems -- what's new in designer cabochons and gem carvings -- gem of the month -- gem of the month archive -- birthstone of the month -- key to all the codes used on the ACS site -- definitions of terms used on the ACS site -- how to order -- about ACS -- about the ACS cutters -- settings for these gems --faceting information -- purchase UltraTec equipment

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June, 2001

GOSHENITE

Goshenite, also known as white beryl, was named after Goshen, Massachusetts where it was discovered, and is colorless or very near colorless beryl. It has all the excellent gemological qualities of the other members of this noble gem family (emerald, aquamarine, heliodor, red beryl and Morganite). Among these are sufficient hardness and toughness for most jewelry uses, stability and lovely polish luster. Its lack of color and relative abundance, compared to its relatives, explains the rather low value given this gem. In attempts to improve its value, colorless beryl has been irradiated to produce a stable yellow color or under certain conditions an unstable deep blue "Maxixe" type. There have been cases of Goshenite being used as the cap in assembled stones masquerading as emerald, or in foilback stones simulating emerald or diamond. Recently one of the television shopping channels has begun aggressively marketing Goshenite (or perhaps extremely pale aqua) as White Aqua TM , touting its great rarity. ( I'm sure the channel's legal department has carefully scrutinized the wording of their presentations to be technically shy of fraud, I for one, though, find them absurd. ) Perhaps we should just appreciate this lovely gem for what it is, and enjoy its subtle beauty. Goshenite gives us another natural, colorless stone which along with colorless forms of sapphire, topaz and zircon can be used as a less expensive diamond substitute, in lieu of a synthetic. Well cut specimens are bright and extremely attractive. Major sources are Brazil, USA and the former USSR.

Value:

Goshenite is modestly priced, even for larger specimens. Exceptional fashioning and top clarity should be expected of any stones offered for sale at premium prices. Looking for a wonderful gem bargain -- Goshenite is your stone!

Gemological Data:

Makeup: Beryllium aluminum silicate

Crystal Structure: Hexagonal

Hardness: 7.5-8

Luster: Vitreous

Density: 2.80

RI: 1.58-1.59

DR: .008

Disperion: .014

Cleavage: rare

UV Fluorescence: inert to weak yellow or pink (LW and SW)

Stones Currently Available:

{ Search our Catalog}

Go to: Homepage -- what's new in faceted gems -- what's new in designer cabochons and gem carvings -- gem of the month -- gem of the month archive -- birthstone of the month -- key to all the codes used on the ACS site -- definitions of terms used on the ACS site -- how to order -- about ACS -- about the ACS cutters -- settings for these gems --faceting information -- purchase UltraTec equipment

-- Mail to bsmigel@cox.net