Gemstone profile and identification guide
Phenakite
Phenakite is a beryllium silicate gemstone species known for high clarity and limited availability.
Profile Navigation
Overview
Phenakite is a beryllium silicate gemstone species known for high clarity and limited availability.
Did you know? Phenakite can be mistaken for quartz or topaz without instrument testing.
Use this profile as a collector reference and educational guide for quick on-page comparison, then validate with the interactive identification system.
Identification
Name: Phenakite
Scientific classification: Silicate (Nesosilicate: Phenakite)
Hardness: 7.75 Mohs
Transparency: transparent
Lustre: vitreous
Crystal system: Trigonal
Primary colour: Colorless
Secondary colour: Pale Yellow
Colour family: Whites & Neutrals
High clarity, trigonal optics, and phenakite RI/SG separate it from quartz and topaz.
Verification Status
Status: verified-core-fields
Reference priority: GIA, Gem-A, Mindat, International Gem Society
Core identity, locality, and physical-property fields reviewed against standard gemological references.
Values are reported as practical gemological ranges where appropriate.
Physical Properties
Hardness category: hard
Hardness value: 7.75 Mohs
Chemical composition: Beryllium silicate (Be2SiO4)
Crystal system: Trigonal
Common locations: Russia, Brazil, Madagascar, Myanmar, United States (Colorado)
Learn more: Gem-A gemstone education resources.
Colour Variations
Mostly colorless to pale yellow beryllium silicate with high transparency.
Optical effects: None specified in the current dataset.
Detailed Gemology
Mineral species: Phenakite
Mineral group: Nesosilicate group
Chemical formula: Beryllium silicate (Be2SiO4)
Mohs hardness: 7.75
Crystal system: Trigonal
Lustre: vitreous
Transparency: transparent
Streak: White
Cleavage: Indistinct to poor
Fracture: Conchoidal
Specific gravity: 2.96-3.00
Refractive index: 1.650-1.670
Optical phenomena: None typically diagnostic
Colour range: Colorless, pale yellow, pink (rare)
Common inclusions: Needles, fluid inclusions, growth zoning
Geological environment: Granitic pegmatites and metamorphic environments
Principal mining regions: Russia, Brazil, Madagascar, Myanmar, United States (Colorado)
Important commercial sources: Gem phenakite is uncommon and sourced from pegmatitic deposits in Russia, Brazil, and Madagascar
Historical significance: A collector-focused beryllium gemstone species.
Common treatments: Generally untreated.
Synthetic or imitation forms: No major synthetic market as direct phenakite substitute.
Common look-alikes: Quartz, topaz, danburite
Jewellery uses: Phenakite is used chiefly for Collector faceting and occasional fine jewellery applications.. In the trade it is commonly fashioned as faceted stones, calibrated cuts, and higher-clarity collector pieces, with Mohs hardness 7.75 guiding suitable jewellery applications.
Care recommendations: Good durability; use standard gemstone care and avoid severe impact.
Cross-check profile data with GIA Gem Encyclopedia and Mindat entry for Phenakite.
Formation
Forms in granitic pegmatites and high-temperature metamorphic environments.
Origin
Gem phenakite is uncommon and sourced from pegmatitic deposits in Russia, Brazil, and Madagascar
Uses
Best for: Phenakite is used chiefly for Collector faceting and occasional fine jewellery applications.. In the trade it is commonly fashioned as faceted stones, calibrated cuts, and higher-clarity collector pieces, with Mohs hardness 7.75 guiding suitable jewellery applications.
Ideal uses: Collector faceting and occasional fine jewelry applications.
Care
Good durability; use standard gemstone care and avoid severe impact.
Need another candidate? Use advanced gemstone search or return to the identification guide.
Related gemstones by colour
Related gemstones by hardness
Commonly confused gemstones
Phenakite FAQ
How can I identify Phenakite?
Compare hardness (7.75 Mohs), crystal system (Trigonal), colour profile, and lustre (vitreous) with your sample. Then cross-check related gemstones listed above.
What colour range does Phenakite appear in?
Mostly colorless to pale yellow beryllium silicate with high transparency.
Where is Phenakite commonly used?
Collector faceting and occasional fine jewelry applications.. For maintenance, follow the care guidance in this profile.
Scientific References
GIA: general gemstone identity (reviewed) - Batch 04 factual verification pass.
Gem-A: gemological terminology and testing references (reviewed) - Batch 04 factual verification pass.
Mindat: mineral species and principal localities (reviewed) - Batch 04 factual verification pass.
International Gem Society: gem trade context and treatment overview (reviewed) - Batch 04 factual verification pass.