Pezzottaite Gemstone & Information | Gemopedia by JTV | Gemopedia™

Pezzottaite

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.

Colors

Purplish Pink

  • Pezzottaite classification

    CommonName
    Pezzottaite
    Species
    Pezzottaite
    Variety
    Colors
    Purplish Pink
    AlternateNames
    Malagasite
    GemstoneGroups
    KeySeparations
    refractive index, birefringence, optic character and spectrum. Might show strain under the polariscope.
    ClassificationComments
    Pezzottaite is not actually a beryl variety, but so closely related that it is sometimes associated with the beryl species. Originally, it was thought of as a cesium-rich form of beryl, but now is generally considered a separate species. Misnomers: hot pink red beryl, raspberyl or red beryl. Often seen as cat's-eye.

  • Pezzottaite chemistry & crystallography

    ChemicalName
    caesium, beryllium, lithium and aluminum silicate
    ChemicalFormula
    Cs(Be2Li)Al2(SiO3)6
    Synthesis
    CrystalSystem
    Trigonal
    ChemistryClassification
    Silicate
    Nature
    Natural
    Crystallinity
    Crystalline
    ChemistryComments

  • Pezzottaite optical properties

    Transparency
    Transparent - Translucent
    Dispersion
    OpticalComments
    RefractiveIndex
    1.608-1.617
    Tolerance:0.01
    Birefringence
    0.008-0.009
    OpticCharacter
    Uniaxial
    OpticSign
    Negative
    PolariscopeReaction
    Doubly Refractive (DR)
    Fluorescence
    SWUV: Inert
    LWUV: Inert
    CCFReaction
    weak orangy pink
    Pleochroism
    Dichroic, moderate pinkish orange and purplish pink to pinkish purple

  • Pezzottaite characteristic physical properties

    Hardness
    8
    CharacteristicComments
    Streak
    SpecificGravity
    3.04-3.14 Range:0.4/-0.6 Typical:3.1
    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