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Phenakite

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description Phenakite Overview

Phenakite, also spelled phenacite, is a beryllium silicate mineral with the chemical formula Be2SiO4. It commonly forms transparent, colorless crystals but may also appear pale yellow, pink, or brown, and its hardness and relatively high refractive index allow suitable specimens to be cut as gemstones. Notable occurrences include Russia's Ural Mountains and Minas Gerais in Brazil, although fine crystals are primarily sought by mineral collectors.

help Phenakite FAQ

What is phenakite made of?

Phenakite, also spelled phenacite, is a beryllium silicate with the chemical formula Be2SiO4. It is a trigonal mineral that commonly forms transparent crystals.

What colors and crystal shapes does phenakite have?

Colorless and transparent crystals are common, but phenakite can also be pale yellow, pink, brown, or white. Its crystals may be prismatic or rhombohedral, and the name comes from a Greek word meaning deceiver because it can resemble quartz.

Is phenakite hard enough to use as a gemstone?

Phenakite has a Mohs hardness of about 7.5 to 8 and refractive-index values around 1.65 to 1.67. Faceted stones can therefore be bright and durable, although phenakite is much less common in jewelry than quartz or topaz. [Mindat mineral data](https://www.mindat.org/min-3188.html)

Where is phenakite found?

The listed type locality is the Izumrudnye Kopi area near Malyshevo in Russia's Sverdlovsk Oblast. Mineral records also include notable specimens from places such as Madagascar and Myanmar.

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