Beryl: History, Origin, Composition, Virtues, Meaning and Purification of the Gemstone

Beryl is a translucent to opaque fine stone of varied colors that has captivated mankind since antiquity. It comes in many varieties such as emerald,aquamarine and morganite, and has a rich history of culture and symbolism. Their high hardness and resistance to abrasion make them prized gems for jewelry, and art history. In this article, we will explore the origin, composition, virtues and significance of the beryl stone.

History of Beryl

Beryl is a stone known to the ancients, mentioned by Pline as early as 77 AD. The term "Beryl" derives from the ancient Greek "berullos" which literally means"color of sea water", in reference to the blue-green color of Beryl. It was not until 1904 that Maynard Bixby discovered red beryl, an extremely rare variety of beryl that has only been found in Utah and New Mexico.

Beryl stones have a rich cultural and symbolic history that dates back thousands of years. Ancient legend associates pink beryl with the Egyptian goddess Isis, who brought love, healing and protection. This enduring fascination with beryl has spawned many stories and legends over the centuries.

Beryls come in a wide variety of colors, depending on their chemical composition and the impurities they contain. Their clarity, transparency and light reflection are exceptional. However, certain impurities can alter their color and quality.

Origin and Composition of Beryl

Composition of Beryl

Beryl belongs to the Silicate family. Its chemical composition is _Be3Al2Si6O18. The density of beryl is between 2.60 to 2.90. Emerald, aquamarine and morganite stones are colored varieties of beryls.

Beryl stone forms in high pressure, high temperature environments. It can form in magmatic or metamorphic rocks rich in beryllium and aluminum silicate, such as pegmatites, micaschists and bituminous limestones.

The colors of natural Beryl are influenced by the presence of different minerals that compose it, such as:

- The green color of Emerald is due to the presence of chromium and vanadium,

- The blue of Aquamarine comes from iron,

- The yellow of the Heliodorus is due to uranium and iron,

- The color of red beryl (Bixbite) is due to the presence of manganese, 

- The pink color of Morganite comes from lithium and cesium.

These elements can affect the color of the beryl stone by changing the way it absorbs and reflects light, as well as the properties and virtues of the stone in lithotherapy.

Origin of Beryl

Beryl gemstone is mined in several countries around the world, the largest producers being Colombia, Brazil, Russia, Pakistan, China and the United States.

The hardness of beryl stone is 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale.

Virtues and Meaning of Beryl

Beryl is recognized as the stone of protection for the sight. Beryl has many therapeutic properties that can help improve physical, emotional and spiritual health and well-being.

Beryl in Lithotherapy

On the physical level, the Beryl stone is known for its virtues in lithotherapy. It detoxifies the body, improves eyesight, gives energy. Beryl also promotes the healing of diseases related to the eyes and lungs as well as relieving headaches, joint pain, muscle pain and back pain. It can help strengthen the immune system and stimulate hair and nail growth.

On a psychological level, Beryl is said to have the ability to reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Beryl stones have a gentle energy that restores joy and promotes a positive outlook on life by dispelling negative thoughts and helping to make a new, more peaceful and stable start.

Meaning of Beryl

The preferred chakras for the Beryl stone are the solar plexus chakra, the heart chakra and the coronal chakra. Blue Beryl stones activate the throat or frontal chakra, while green or pink Beryl stones harmonize the heart chakra and yellow Beryl stones activate the solar plexus chakra.

Beryl is a family of stones suitable for all astrological signs, but it is particularly recommended for the Cancer sign.

Note that lithotherapy cannot replace medical treatment or medical expertise.

Maintenance, Purification and Recharging of Beryl

Cleaning and Purification of Beryl

As regards the maintenance, the purification of the Beryl stone, you can use the following methods:

- Distilled water : immerse the beryl stone in distilled water for 2-3 hours.

- Fumigation: With incense or sage smoke for a deep energetic cleansing.

Recharging the Beryl

To recharge your Beryl stone, you can use the following methods:

- Leave it in the sunlight for several hours,

- Leave it to recharge on a rock crystal cluster.