Quantity: 1 Natural Bixbite Gem (Pink/Red Emerald)
Colour: Pink
Clarity: Translucent to Opaque
Cut: Octagon Cut
Dimensions: 6.50 x 2.74 x 2.10mm
Lustre: Very Good
Treatment: Untreated 100% Natural
Origin: UTAH - United States of America
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Bixbite is an extremely rare variety of beryl only found a few locations in the South western USA. In 2006 the Jewelers Association gave it the title of rarest gem stone on earth - an honor previously held by benitoite, another stone only found in one location in California. Bixbite is now officially called "red beryl" so as to avoid confusion with bixbyite. You may also find bixbite called "red emerald".
Bixbite gets its rich deep pink/red color from manganese (Mn3+) ions substituting for aluminium within the crystalline structure of the beryl. Pure beryl has the chemical formula Be3Al2(SiO3)6 - beryllium aluminium cyclosilicate.
Like other beryls, bixbite is hard (7.5-8 on the Mohs scale) and so lends itself to gem cutting - however it is very rare to find gem quality bixbite/red beryl larger than 1 carat in size and may typically be 0.15 carat. The largest faceted clear bixbite in existence is under 3 carats, with the largest faceted bixbite (not of clear quality) is 8 carats.
Bixbite is usually recognized by its color, form, hardness and specific gravity.
• Bixbite chemical composition: Be3Al2(SiO3)6
• Class: cyclosilicates
• Crystal system: hexagonal; 6/m2/m2/m
• Crystal habit: small (0.5cm-2.5cm) elongate or tabular first order prisms
• Specific gravity: 2.66 - 2.70
• Index of refraction: 1.567 - 1.580
• Birefringence: 0.004 - 0.008
• Pleochroism: distinct, purple-red/orange-red to red
• Hardness: 7.5 - 8.0
• Color: orange-red to pink to red to purple-red
• Luster: vitreous
• Transparency: translucent to opaque, very rarely transparent
• Cleavage: indistinct basal cleavage is seldom visible on {0001}
• Fracture: conchoidal producing smooth brilliant surfaces, brittle
• Streak: white
Please Note: We use natural sunlight when we can. We also use lights that produce as close to possible natural daylight. We use photo shop to cut and edit but not to enhance. We also know many computer screens buyers use, vary greatly along with their eye sight. You get the products we sell at a very good price because we buy in bulk. Gems and opals especially need light sometime strong to see their wide ranges of colors and color play.
All Gemstones are 100% Natural Earth Mined Stones unless otherwise stated. Prices given on uncertified items are estimates as per the world market prices. We purchase our gemstones and Jewelry pieces from well-established suppliers throughout the world.
I try to describe each Gemstone or Jewelry piece as best as I can. If you purchase from us, it is guaranteed that you are buying Natural Gemstones and authentic Jewelry pieces unless stated.
The cost of International Shipping is calculated at $10 for postage and packaging and $10 for INSURANCE.
