Heliodor

Heliodor is a charming gemstone, a bright yellow or golden yellow variety of the mineral beryl (a cyclosilicate of beryllium and aluminium). Its name, derived from the Greek words 'helios' (sun) and 'doron' (gift), aptly describes its sunny colour, which ranges from a soft lemon to a rich honey-gold. This warm colour is usually due to minor impurities of iron in the crystal structure.

Heliodor is highly prized for its excellent transparency, attractive colour and bright vitreous lustre. Gemstones of high quality are often of high purity (few inclusions), which allows for the creation of exquisite faceted inserts for jewellery, which beautifully demonstrate its play of light and richness of hue. Although heliodor is not as widely known as its famous relatives in the beryl group - emerald (green) and aquamarine (blue), it is a valuable and desirable gemstone in its own right, attracting collectors and jewelry connoisseurs with its unique sunny glow. Significant deposits of heliodor are found in Brazil, Namibia, Madagascar, Pakistan, as well as in Ukraine (in particular, the world-famous Volyn deposit).

It is worth noting that some pale or colorless beryls can be irradiated to enhance or obtain a yellow color; natural stones of rich color without treatment are most valued. Due to its considerable hardness and beauty, heliodor is an excellent choice for a variety of jewelry - rings, pendants, earrings and bracelets, adding a warm sunny accent to any look. Large, clean, and well-formed heliodor crystals are also desirable exhibits for mineralogical collections.