Chemical Composition | It is beryllium aluminum silicate and the chemical formula is Be3Al2Si6O18. |
Colours | Different shades of pink. Sometimes it can occur in light purple and orange/yellow colour too. |
Streak | White |
Refractive Index | 1.57 - 1.60 |
Specific Gravity | 2.71 - 2.90 |
Luster | Vitreous. |
Solid State | Transparent to translucent. |
Hardness | 7.5 – 8 Mohs. |
Fractures | Conchoidal to uneven, brittle. |
Bi-refringence | 0.008 |
Crystal System | Hexagonal crystal system. |
Cleavage | Poor, in one direction. |
Pleochroism | Weak. |
Dispersion | 0 .006 |
Heat Sensitive | Yes |
Enhancement | Mostly enhanced to improve the colour. |
Source | Brazil, Madagascar, USA, Mozambique, Namibia, Afghanistan and Russia. |
Precautions | Protect from sharp blows and hard hits, excessive heat and temperature changes. Extra care to be taken while carrying out the repair work. |
