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The Gemstone Goshenite

Goshenite is the white to colorless variety of Beryl. Beryl is best known for its gem varieties Emerald and Aquamarine, as well as the lesser known Heliodor and Morganite, but the variety Goshenite less frequently used as a gemstone being that it lacks the color appeal of the other varieties.

Color

White, Colorless

Hardness

7.5 - 8.0

Chemical Formula

Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈

Mineral Class

Beryl

Additional Properties

Crystal System
Hexagonal

Refractive Index
1.57 - 1.58

Double Refraction
.006

Transparency
Transparent

SG
2.6 - 2.8

Luster
Vitreous

Cleavage 3,1 - basal

All About

All Goshenite gems are faceted from colorless crystals; white Goshenite is usually opaque and never used a gemstone. The name Goshenite originates from the type locality of Goshen, Hampshire Co., Massachusetts, where Goshenite was first described, but this locality has produced few specimens of interest. Since Goshenite is much more common than the other Beryl gem forms, only very clean and transparent specimens are faceted as gemstones. Goshenite is sometimes coated with a green foil and made to resemble Emerald, as its physical properties are identical to Emerald.

Uses

Goshenite is used as a minor colorless gemstone, though it is more often faceted for collectors rather than for mainstream jewelry.

Treatments & Enhancements

Due to its relative availability and inexpensive prices, Goshenite gemstones are never treated or enhanced.

Goshenite Sources

Goshenite is found in many of the Aquamarine localities, especially in Brazil, Russia, Pakistan, China, Burma (Myanmar), and Namibia.

Similar Gemstones

Goshenite is similar to the other colorless gems such as Quartz, White Topaz, White Sapphire, and White Zircon. It can also resemble Diamond, but lacks the fire and dispersion and is also much softer.