Gemstones : Beryl and South Dakota

For those of you who have bought a piece of jewelry or other stones at Dakota Nature & Art, you know we love to share interesting facts on the pieces purchased.  Gemstones are so unique, and most have great legends and historical lore to tell.  This time it's beryl. Better know as Emerald. But there are more!

Did you know that chemically pure beryl is colorless, but when nature adds a few trace elements we then get green, blue and pink/red colors. Of course, one of the most recognized is the green variety ~ emerald (colored by chromium or vanadium).  Did you that aquamarine and yellow heliodor (both colored by iron) and soft pink morganite (colored by manganese) are also Beryl?  Certainly these stones are beautiful as specimens and faceted stones, and sometimes practical. Goshenite, which is clear beryl was used for manufacturing eyeglasses and lenses, and is named after the town in Massachusetts where it was found, Goshen.

Some beryls, when they are cut as cabochons show a star-shaped pattern of reflections called 'starring' or asterism, and chatoyancy which is a “cat’s-eye” that can be seen as you turn the stone side to side.

Beryl is found in Europe, Norway, Germany, Sweden, Irleland, Russia, Brazil, Madagascar, South Africa, Zambia and the United States.  Our own state of South Dakota is well know for some of the most beautiful golden beryl.  We had the great fortune to see many beautiful freshly excavated specimens from a locality not too far from the Black Hills!

When you are looking for a Beryl, contact us at Dakota Nature & Art. We have a selection of Aquamarine and Emeralds on hand and often Morganite, and can find most other gemstones for you.  For beautiful artisan crafted jewelry look no further than Dakota Nature & Art.