Aquamarine beryl

Category: Cyclosilicate

Chemical formula: Be3,Al2(Si16,O18)

Crystal symmetry: (6/m 2/m 2/m) – Dihexagonal Dipyramidal

Unit cell: a = 9.21 Å, c = 9.19 Å; Z = 2

Molar mass: 537.50

Mohs scale hardness: 7.5–8

Specific gravity: Average 2.76

Optical properties: Uniaxial (-)

Refractive index: nω = 1.564–1.595, nε = 1.568–1.602

Birefringence: δ = 0.0040–0.0070



Flickr page for this photo.

Visit the Eye for Science Flickr group.

Get the "Eye for Science" widget here and install it on your own blog. Spread the scienticity!

Like this image? Want it for your smartphone wallpaper?
Use this QR Code to load it on your smartphone and enjoy!