Phenakite
Phenakite · Collector Mineral / Rare Gemstone
Crystal System
Trigonal; rhombohedral crystals, often prismatic or tabular with parallel striations on faces.
Mineral Group
Silicates (Nesosilicates)
Chemical Formula
Be2SiO4
Formation Process
Generally forms in high-temperature pegmatite veins and mica schists via hydrothermal or magmatic processes often associated with beryl and chrysoberyl.
About This Crystal
Colorless to pale yellow or pink, transparent to translucent with a vitreous to greasy luster. The specimen in the image shows characteristic heavy horizontal striations on the crystal faces and a jagged, fractured base.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Colorless, white; Streak: White; Cleavage: Distinct in one direction (imperfect); Fracture: Conchoidal to uneven; Specific Gravity: 2.93–3.00; Fluorescence: Sometimes fluoresces blue or green under UV.
Optical Properties
Refractive Index: 1.650–1.670; Birefringence: 0.016; Uniaxial positive; Dispersion: 0.015 (low). Strong double refraction.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Notable sources include the Ural Mountains (Russia), Minas Gerais (Brazil), Madagascar, Nigeria, and Myanmar. Also found in pegmatite veins and metamorphic schists.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs Hardness: 7.5 to 8. High toughness and durability; excellent stability and suitable for all types of jewelry.
Care & Maintenance
Generally very stable. Clean with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Ultrasonic and steam cleaning are usually safe. Store separately from softer stones to avoid scratching them.
Rarity & Value
Rare to Very Rare. Value is highly dependent on transparency and size; large clear crystals are highly sought after by collectors. Often mistaken for quartz (its name derives from the Greek for 'deceiver').
Special Characteristics
Distinctive parallel striations on crystal faces; low dispersion means it lacks 'fire' compared to diamond, but has high brilliance when faceted.
Lore & History
First identified in the Emerald mines of the Urals. Traditionally regarded in metaphysical circles as a 'high vibration' stone associated with the Third Eye and Crown chakras, believed to facilitate deep meditation.