Red Beryl occurs as hexagonal crystals which is typical of
beryl. The refractive index is 1.564-1.574 and the specific
gravity is 2.66-2.70. It's primary chemical composition is
Be3Al2SiO3, but there are traces of many other elements. A more
detailed examination including geological, chemical, physical
and gemological information can be found in the magazine Gems
and Gemology, Volume XX, Winter 1984. Red Beryl is thought to
have formed along fractures, in cavities or within the host
rhyolite from a high-temperature gas or vapor phase released
during the latter stages of cooling and crystallization of the
rhyolite magma. Rhyolites ordinarily lack gem minerals and
beryls of any sort is extremely uncommon, therefore the presence
of Red Beryl suggests some unusual conditions for gemstone
formation. Red Beryl crystals range in color from orange-red to
purplish-red with medium tones. The largest crystal yet
recovered was 14mm x 34mm and weighed approximately 54 carats.
The average faceted gemstone is .15 carats and