Pezzottaite

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Displaying gorgeous deep raspberry pinks, pezzottaite is a relatively new gemstone that has been subject to much confusion due to its similarities with red beryl. Pezzottaite has a variety of trade names including Madagascan raspberyl, raspberyl and raspberry beryl. While pezzottaite is a member of the beryl group, due to its crystal structure and its cesium and lithium contents, it is a separate mineral species from beryl, making its trade names misleading.

Pezzottaite Polished
Pezzottaite Classification
Common Name Pezzottaite
Species Pezzottaite
Pezzottaite Optical Properties
Transparency Transparent - Translucent
Refractive Index 1.608-1.617
Tolerance:0.01
Birefringence 0.008-0.009
Optic Character Uniaxial
Optic Sign Negative
Polariscope Reaction Doubly Refractive (DR)
Fluorescence SWUV: Inert
LWUV: Inert
CCF Reaction weak orangy pink
Pleochroism Dichroic, moderate pinkish orange and purplish pink to pinkish purple
Pezzottaite Characteristic Physical Properties
Hardness 8
Specific Gravity 3.040-3.140 Range:0.4/-0.6 Typical:3.100
Toughness Fair
Inclusions Pezzottaite is a Type III clarity stone. The stones frequently have liquid inclusions, fingerprints, growth tubes. If the stone has numerous growth tubes it can be chatoyant.
Luster Vitreous
Stability Fair
Fracture Conchoidal
Cleavage Good, in one direction
Pezzottaite Chemistry & Crystallography
Chemical Name caesium, beryllium, lithium and aluminum silicate
Chemical Formula Cs(Be2Li)Al2(SiO3)6
Crystal System Trigonal
Chemistry Classification Silicate

Pezzottaite Colors

  • Pink Pezzottaite Pink
  • Purple Pezzottaite Purple

Pezzottaite Spectra

Pezzottaite Spectra
PEZZOTTAITE (ω ray)

Color due to manganese. The broad absorption band centered about 570nm. obscures all yellow

Jewelry Television acknowledges the significant scientific contributions of John S Harris, FGA to the study of gemstone spectra and with deep appreciation to him, acknowledges the use of his images and related notes about gemstones and their spectra in the educational materials on this website.

Alternate Names

Malagasite

Countries of Origin

Madagascar; Australia

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Tim Matthews

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Tim Matthews

Tim Matthews is President and Chief Executive Officer of Jewelry Television® (JTV), as well as a member of the company's Board of Directors. He oversees and leads all aspects of the company's powerful omni-digital retail platform that uniquely specializes in fine jewelry and gemstones. His passion for business and gemstones has led him to become a recognized expert in the field of gemology. He is a life member of the Gemmological Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) and has earned Gem-A's highest degrees, the Gemmology (FGA) and Diamond (DGA) diplomas. He is also a Graduate Gemologist (GG) of the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and has also completed GIA's Graduate Diplomas in Diamonds, Colored Stones and Pearls. Under his leadership, JTV has become the leader in the sourcing and selling of color gemstones and jewelry.

This page was created on June 27, 2014.

This page was last edited on October 24, 2019.