Beryl

Beryl is a relatively rare mineral and comes in different colors and shades from colorless to blue, green, yellow, black or red which is being the rarest. The gemstone occurs in various localities around the world including the United States, Canada, Russia, Brazil, Sweden, Germany, Australia, South Africa, Madagascar and so on.

Some color varieties of this birthstone are more known and popular than beryl itself. Green beryl is called emerald, and blue beryl is known as aquamarine. The rock in yellow hues is called either golden beryl or heliodor depending on if it is closer to golden yellow or yellow green. Goshenite is a colorless variety of this gem, and morganite is often called ‘pink emerald’ and, you guessed it, is a pink variety of beryl. Red beryl is not just the rarest of all beryls, but is one of the rarest and most expensive gemstones in the word. Quarter carat bixbite (this is what red color beryl is also called) can fetch in excess of $200,000. 

The name of birthstone beryl originates for Greek or Latin word ‘beryllus’. Some say it is derived from a Persian word ‘bellur’.

“What rings of Eastern price his fingers hold.

Gold decks the fingers, beryl decks the gold.”

wrote about beryl Parnell, an Irish politician.

Beryl was a symbol of good fortune. According to Jewish folklore, it allowed the wearer to achieve their goals while working in harmony with others. The Egyptians used beryl to make amulets in the shapes of animal heads. Beryl amulets were believed to have beneficial medicinal properties as well as protection of travelers from sea sickness and discomfort.

Beryl was considered a valuable gemstone in cases of family disagreements and lawsuits, especially over property. If the person was wearing beryl as birthstone, she or he was assumed to be invincible and unconquerable however still friendly with opponents or enemies.

It was reckoned that beryl would stimulate brain activity and intellect, as well as bring courage to warriors.

The birthstone was used in magical rituals as an instrument of foretelling the future. People held it on their month, and it was expected that they would receive an answer to any question they had. In the middle ages beryl would be thrown into a shallow water, and answers would be interpreted from the images created by ripples and reflection on the surface of the water. In various places of the earth beryl, and not rock crystal, as used for manufacturing of crystal balls. Apparently, it was beryl providing much clearer visions.

In ancient times, a frog engraved on birthstone beryl was thought to have the magical powers to reconcile enemies and help make friends. Beryl was widely accepted as a symbol of undying youth. Dreams of this gem meant happy news to come. Beryl was thought to help with eye troubles and seasickness.

The gemstone was believed to reawaken the love of those who are married. In the Middle East and Far East beryl was, and perhaps still is, a popular bridal gift because it is symbolic of purity and congeniality.

In Scotland beryls were part of national regalia and their usage as talismans and amulets dates back to druids. Sir Walter Scott, a famous Scottish poet and historian of the 19th century, wrote that even in his time beryls were referred to as ‘stones of power’ by the Scottish Highlanders.