Judging quality
Higher refractive index and specific gravity than quartz; it feels heavier for its size and shows more life when faceted. Doubly terminated Brazilian crystals are the classic form.
Silicate
Phenakite
A hard, brilliant beryllium silicate that is rare as gem rough and prized by collectors for water-clear rhombohedral crystals. Its name comes from the Greek for deceiver, because it was so often mistaken for quartz.
Care
Durable. Ordinary cleaning is fine.
History & lore
The Russian Urals produced the first recognised specimens in 1833, alongside emerald in the same schists.
Cultural history, recorded as tradition rather than as medical or scientific claim.
Common questions about Phenakite
- What is Phenakite?
- A hard, brilliant beryllium silicate that is rare as gem rough and prized by collectors for water-clear rhombohedral crystals. Its name comes from the Greek for deceiver, because it was so often mistaken for quartz.
- How hard is Phenakite and what is it made of?
- Phenakite is a Silicate-family mineral with the composition Be2SiO4. It crystallizes in the trigonal system and rates 7.5-8 on the Mohs hardness scale. It occurs in colorless, white, pale yellow.
- Where does Phenakite come from?
- Notable localities for Phenakite include Brazil (Minas Gerais), Russia (Urals), Colorado, USA, Myanmar.
- How do you tell good Phenakite from filler?
- Higher refractive index and specific gravity than quartz; it feels heavier for its size and shows more life when faceted. Doubly terminated Brazilian crystals are the classic form.
- How do you care for Phenakite?
- Durable. Ordinary cleaning is fine.
See it in person
Photographs only go so far
Both rooms are open six days a week, and there is always someone happy to pull pieces out of the case so you can compare them under the light.