GOSHENITE (BERYL) FOR SALE

More About Goshenite

Goshenite is the pure, colorless variety of the mineral beryl, the same mineral family that includes emerald and aquamarine. Unlike its more vividly colored counterparts, goshenite lacks trace elements that produce green, blue, or pink hues, resulting in exceptional clarity and a beautifully transparent appearance. Its name comes from Goshen, Massachusetts, where some of the first documented specimens were discovered in the early 19th century.

Chemically composed of beryllium aluminum silicate, goshenite forms in hexagonal crystal systems and is most commonly found in granitic pegmatites. Well-formed crystals often display sharp, six-sided prisms with flat terminations and a bright, glassy (vitreous) luster. High-quality specimens can be remarkably clear, sometimes rivaling quartz in transparency but distinguished by their crystal habit and physical properties. On the Mohs hardness scale, goshenite ranks at 7.5 to 8, making it a durable mineral suitable for both collectors and lapidary use.

Although it is less well-known than emerald or aquamarine, goshenite has historically been used as a gemstone. In the past, it was sometimes fashioned into lenses and optical components due to its clarity. Today, it is occasionally faceted for collectors who appreciate its subtle beauty and the way it reflects and refracts light without added color.

For mineral collectors, goshenite offers a refined elegance. Its colorless transparency highlights internal features, inclusions, and natural growth patterns, making each specimen unique. Fine crystals from localities such as Brazil, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Madagascar, and the United States are especially prized. Whether displayed as a natural crystal or added to a curated mineral collection, goshenite stands out for its purity, structure, and understated brilliance.