Gemologists and mineralogists use the name heliodor for the beryl mineral. The mineral has a variety of colors ranging from yellow, golden yellow, or greenish-yellow. The name heliodor derives from the Greek word “helios,” meaning sun, and “doron,” meaning gift. Two French mineralogists coined the name in 1797. Heliodor is used as gemstones and as a source of beryllium, beryllium oxide, and lithium salts.
Gemologists have several tests that they use to identify heliodors. When the stones are held to the light, they will show a sparkling effect known as chatoyancy (a cat’s eye effect). Gemologists also look at the stone’s refractive index to determine whether it is a heliodor. This process involves measuring the speed at which light travels through the stone with a spectroscope. The refractive index is measured by how a stone bends light ray. Gemologists also use the specific gravity of the stone to determine its identity.
Heliodors are typically mined in Brazil, India, Sri Lanka, Russia, Madagascar, and East Africa. The best quality stones come from Madagascar. Heliodor is also the birthstone for August. As a result, it serves as a traditional gift for couples celebrating their 16th wedding anniversaries.
Benefits of Heliodor
Among the most valued semi-precious gemstones is the heliodor. The mineral has been associated with harnessing the powers of Jupiter. The heliodor is believed to bring serenity and peace to its wearer.
The gemstone is a well-known amulet of protection against evil. Heliodor has been associated with having powerful protection power. The protection powers of gemstones are likened to those of Emerald and Aquamarine. The power is said to be able to protect the wearer from negative energies and ill wishes.
It is also believed that heliodors can protect the wearer from accidents, especially on land, air, or sea. In addition, this stone is also believed to have the power to keep off thieves and evil spirits.
According to ancient beliefs, heliodor can help one achieve a long-life span and good health. The stone has been used as a talisman against misfortunes like poison and diseases caused by evil forces. Individuals also believed that wearing this stone can help one attain good relationships with people around them, especially those in high positions of authority.
Many say that gemstones have certain healing properties and can aid in healing ailments like epilepsy, sinus problems, fever, and even blindness. The heliodor is also known to have a calming effect on people prone to anger or depression.
Gemstones are used for adornment, spiritual purposes, as well as for their healing properties. They are also used in alternative medicine and jewelry making.
Traits Making Heliodor Special
One can always come up with attractive gemstones from heliodor. The tendency to be highly attractive makes heliodor special. The pieces could be of golden-yellow, rich yellow, or green-yellow color. The stones with gold-yellow color are most common. They are transparent, and they have a good shine. A golden-yellow color stone is priced at around $1,000 per carat, while a green-yellow one is priced at around $300 per carat.
Heliodor can also stand up well for abrasion, citing the Mohs hardness of about 7.5 to 8.0. And it is also quite tough when compared to other gems. It is a good gemstone for being set in rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. It also has a good luster and brilliance. For these reasons, heliodor is greatly used in jewelry making. Heliodor has a high refractive index of about 1.766 and is quite dense, with a density of about 3.5 to 3.9.
The mineral is very durable when compared to other gems. Its durability is one of the best among all available gems, making it great when worn in daily life or on formal occasions such as weddings or other important events. However, the demand for gemstones is still low compared to other gems. The low demand is because it is not as popular as other gems, particularly diamonds.