Birthstone Month:
Beryl is not associated with any particular birthstone month.

Zodiac:
Beryl is associated with the zodiac signs of Scorpio and Sagittarius.

Chemical Symbol:
Be3Al2Si6O18

Chemical Make-up:
Beryl is scientifically classified as a Beryllium Aluminum Silicate. Presence of differing elements will determine the color idisplayed. Unlike the Emerald, Green Beryl owes its color to the presence of Iron.

History & Lore:
The origin of the name Beryl is thought to derive from the Sanskrit word 'veruliyam', an old term previously used for the gemstone Chrysoberyl. It is also believed to derive from the Greek Word 'beryllos' which means crystal, and was originally applied to all green gemstones, but was later used exclusively for Beryl.

It is documented that Pliny, a Roman scholar, used powdered Beryl to cure injuries relating to the eye.

Legend says that Beryl was once used to ward off demons and evil spirits and that it can protect the wearer from dangers whilst traveling. Other legends also state that Beryl can be used to bring about good luck, cheerfulness, energy, and eternal youthfulness. Beryl is also said to be effective at treating disorders of the heart and spine..

Availability:
Green Beryl is readily available and there is not significant demand for it on the present market. Green Beryl is priced considerably lower than Emerald.

Evaluation:
Beryl is rated at 7.5 to 8 on Moh's Scale of Hardness and is a durable stone that is ideal for all jewelry purposes. Beryl is colorless in pure form, but different elemental impurities provide a wide variety of colors to choose from. The presence of Iron accounts for Green Beryl's coloration.

This pale green variety of Beryl does not fall into the Emerald classification because it lacks the intense Emerald green color, which subsequently lowers the price considerably. It should also be noted that if the green color displays a blueish tone, the stone will be classified as Aquamarine. If the green color displays a yellow tone, the stone will be classified as a Heliodor.

Common Cuts:
Beryl has the ability to be cut into a wide spectrum of many-faceted shapes. Beryls are particularly well suited to rectangular or square cuts, as these bring out the stone's transparency and color definition.

Routine Enhancements:
Green Beryl is occasionally heat-treated to produce synthetic Aquamarine gemstones.

Care & Cleaning:
Beryls can be cleaned using warm soapy water and a soft brush. Enzyme cleaners and cleaning agents containing chlorine should be avoided because they can cause dermatitis and allergic reactions. To reduce the dangers of thermal shock, Beryl should be kept away from prolonged exposure to excessive heat. Green Beryl jewelry should be stored in a fabric-lined box away from other jewelry items so as to avoid damage / scratching.