Red Beryl Gemstone (Bixbite) - The Collectors Stone

Bixbite or Red Beryl Stone is one of the rarest among the Beryl Gemstones. It is a Collectors Stone. The chemical composition of this stone is Be3Al2Si6O18. This gemstone is also known by the names Red Emerald (or American Red Emerald) and Scarlet Emerald. The other famous gemstones of the Beryl family are Emerald, Aquamarine, Morganite, Heliodor and Goshenite. Red Beryl crystals are found in colors ranging from red to pinkish-red. Bixbite is one of the rarest gemstones in the world and is named after the mineralogist Maynard Bixby who discovered it in 1904 in the Thomas Mountains in Utah. It is rarer than diamonds and emerald. The largest crystal found is known to be around 6 carets or so. The Jewelers Association gave it the title of the world’s rarest gemstone in the year 2006.

Bixbite or red beryl occurs in a type of silica-rich volcanic rocks known as ‘topaz bearing rhyolites’. It crystallizes under conditions of low pressure and high temperature. This stone has a hexagonal crystal system and have a hardness rating of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. The color of this gem and beauty also makes it an ideal stone for gemstones jewelry. The red color of this stone is thought to be as a result of the manganese and cesium content. The astrological signs associated with Red Beryl are Taurus and Aries. This stone is associated with the heart chakra and is a good stone for those who wish to bounce back after a break up. Red Beryl crystals were found only in 3 locations of USA so far, the Thomas Mountains in Utah, the Wah Wah Mountains near Beaver in Utah and the Black Mountains of South West New Mexico.

Bixbite is said to be a good gemstone for overcoming grief and Depression. It can help one to feel more energetic and creative. Bixbite is reputed as the stone of passion. This Stone is said to aid in relationships, giving compatibility and harmony. This stone can be used to treat the health issues with your digestive system, throat, heart or lungs. Wearing Bixbite jewelry can help from being manipulated. If you have any of these problems then this gemstone might be beneficial to you.

Bixbite is usually found only in small sizes and is quite rare to find which makes it quite costly. Wah Wah Mountains is the only place in the World where gem quality bixbite is mined. A clear piece without inclusions is quite rare to find and comes with a high price tag. However, one can also opt for a Synthetic one which has the same beauty and physical properties as a natural one and is available at a much lower cost per carat. There are chances that one may confuse Red Beryl with Raspberry Beryl (Pezzottaite) because of its color and hardness. The way to identity is by checking the crystal system and refractive index. The refractive index of bixbite is lower and it has a hexagonal crystal system while Pezzottaite has a Trigonal Crystal system.

• Emerald
• Aquamarine
• Heliodor
• Goshenite