Beryl is popular because it is found in many different colors, is frequently gemmy, is very resilient to wear and tear, and is found at many hundreds of collectible localities worldwide. Beryl is a very popular mineral that collectors specialize in and is a great mineral to invest money in if one wishes to assemble a collection that increases in value over time. Many beryl crystals from old and rare localities especially those in New England, USA, Europe, and Australia continue to increase in value. Emerald and Aquamarine are birthstones for May and March respectively, which is enough alone to make them timeless and continuously popular.
When purchasing or grading a fine beryl specimen, there are five factors that contribute to the value of specimens. The color and clarity of the specimen are the first two and contribute most to the value of the material as gem rough. Intense color saturation and a minimum of inclusions or feathering is most desirable. Thirdly is the termination and condition of the crystals. Crystals that show sharp termination and no chipping or breaking commend the highest prices. Beryl crystals that have unusual faces such as extra prism faces and domed, complex terminations. Fourth is the matrix – beryl specimens on matrix tend to have higher value than single crystals. Fifth is locality. The value of beryl specimens fluctuates widely with locality. For example, a gem Morganite specimen from a hard to obtain, little producing locality such as Maine is worth far more that a specimen of equal quality from Brazil just because of its origin.
Beryl is also valued for its various legendary and metaphysical properties. Emerald and Aquamarine are gems held in high esteem by dignitaries and royalty, which is a reason for their value though they are not the absolute rarest of gemstones. Beryl is actually quite easy to find at many sites worldwide though facet grade material has never been common. The best locations for making a new find of beryl crystals is an abandoned mica, feldspar, or beryllium mine such as those found in the New England and Southeastern regions of the USA. Many of these abandoned mines in Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia are still available for collecting with permission!
Beryl has an ancient lore and has been known to humans for millennia. Two varieties of beryl are birthstones Aquamarine for March and Emerald for May. Ancient Egyptians, Sumerians, and Aramaic peoples valued aquamarine as a symbol of happiness. The Romans thought Aquamarine strengthened friendship and the Greeks viewed it as a symbol of everlasting love. In the Middle Ages in Europe, Aquamarine was stated to be the best stone to carve a crystal ball from for its ability to channel the future. Emeralds were used in Cleopatra’s jewelry and have been praised by Pliny the Elder. Heliodor, Morganite, and Bixbite were lesser to virtually unknown in ancient times but have beauty which is still thought of as timeless.