Goshenite Gemstone InformationAbout Goshenite - History and Introduction
Goshenite belongs to the beryl group of minerals, which are beryllium aluminum silicates. Beryl can occur in a wide range of colors, including green, blue, pink, golden, red and white or colorless as with goshenite. Technically, goshenite is the purest form of beryl, since it lacks coloring agents and impurities that are responsible for giving gemstones their color. The beryl family is most famous for emerald and aquamarine, as well as morganite, heliodor, golden beryl and bixbite. Goshenite was first discovered in the small town of Goshen, located in Hampshire County of Western Massachusetts. Today, goshenite and other deposits of beryl, can be found all around the world. Before the introduction of synthetic diamonds, goshenite was often used as a diamond alternative. By the placement of silver or green foil under the stone, goshenite can even be used as alternatives for emeralds and other precious colored stones. The colored foil enhances goshenite's color similar to the way 'coating' can enhance mystic quartz or topaz. Goshenite was once used for the manufacturing of eyeglasses, because of its excellent transparency. Goshenite is also considered an excellent source for beryllium. Goshenite, like all beryl, has excellent hardness, durability and toughness. It is very resistant to corrosive materials, but goshenite is considered to be quite brittle and sensitive to pressure.
Identifying Goshenite Back to Top
There are a number of different gems that closely resemble goshenite, including quartz, white topaz, white zircon and white sapphire. However, beryl can usually be easily distinguished from other similar gems through basic testing. One of the easiest testing methods to identify goshenite is by testing for specific gravity (density) and hardness. Goshenite is significantly harder than quartz and feldspar, but slightly softer than topaz and sapphire. Beryl, topaz and sapphire all have very different crystal structures, making beryl quite distinct due to its unique six-sided hexagonal crystal formation. Goshenite Origin and Gemstone Sources Back to Top
Although goshenite is named after the small town of Goshen, Massachusetts, it can be found all over the world including North and South America, China, Canada, Russia, Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Northern Europe, Africa and Asia. It is thought that the largest, cleanest and best quality material is found in Brazil. Buying Goshenite and Determining Goshenite Value Back to Top
Goshenite Gemological Properties: Back to Top
Please refer to our Gemstone Glossary for details of gemology-related terms. Goshenite: Varieties or Similar Gemstones: Back to Top
Beryl is a very large group of minerals. There are several closely related gemstone varieties of goshenite, typically classified by color and impurities within. There are also many similar-looking gemstones, such as white zircon, quartz, topaz, sapphire and even diamond. However, gems that are close in appearance can be easily identified by testing for hardness and crystal formation.
Goshenite Gemstone Mythology, Metaphysical and Alternative Crystal Healing Powers Back to Top
Goshenite is said to bring clarity and truth into one's life and bring balance to the wearer, bringing the physical body into tune with the psychic mind. It is thought to discourage infidelity and promote sincerity. Goshenite was referred to in ancient Irish scriptures, with regard to its importance and popularity as a divining tool, much preferred over other traditional Irish divining tools. Precious beryl in general promotes luck, energy and youthfulness. Goshenite is a friendship gem. Goshenite is a stone of wisdom, that can spark intellectual thoughts and curiosity in its wearer. Perhaps goshenite's historical use as lenses in eye glasses has caused it to be associated with vision and intelligence. Goshenite is believed to help people to see situations from different perspectives, reinforcing sight and vision. Goshenite represents purity and is a stone of truth; it is transparent and nothing can be hidden within. Goshenite is a stone of Gemini. It enhances the energies of all chakras and is known as a balancing stone. It is the stone of the moon and associated with the element of water in both Eastern and Western crystal power philosophy.
Goshenite Gemstone and Jewelry Design Ideas Back to Top
Beryl is an excellent gemstone for any type of jewelry application. Goshenite and other beryl gemstones are typically available in larger sizes and are very affordable compared to other gemstones (with exception to precious green emerald). Goshenite is best set into designs that allow light to pass through easily and they are excellent as diamond substitutes. Before the introduction of diamond simulants such as cubic zirconia, goshenite was actually one of the most popular diamond replacements. Goshenite's fire and brilliance was enhanced through silver foil-lining. Beryl in general is one of the most popular gemstones in the world and a favorite among jewelers, not only for its superior hardness and durability, but also because of its affordability, beauty and color diversity. Goshenite is not typically found in local jewelry stores, even though other beryls such as aquamarine and emerald are two of the most popular gemstones. Goshenite can be used for fashion earrings, pins, brooches, rings (including engagement rings), cuff links, tie tacks and much more. Goshenite is an excellent material for gemstone carvings and ornaments. Note: Buy colored gemstones by size and not by carat weight. Colored stones vary in size-to-weight ratio. Some stones are larger and others are smaller than diamond in weight comparison. Goshenite Gemstone and Jewelry Care and Cleaning Back to Top
Take off and remove beryl jewelry before exercising, cleaning or engaging in vigorous physical activities. Beryl can easily scratch other gems and at the same time, be easily scratched, so try to avoid contact with other gems. Always store goshenite gemstones separately from other stones. Wrap them in soft cloth and place them into a fabric-lined box when storing them for long periods of time. |
All beryl gemstones are sensitive to pressure and extremely vulnerable to household chemicals, especially green emerald. Although beryl is one of the more durable gem types, it does require some care. Avoid wearing beryl jewelry when using harsh chemicals like bleach or sulfuric acid. Use warm soapy water and a soft cloth to clean your beryl stones. Be sure to rinse well to remove all soapy residue. As with most other gemstones, avoid the use of ultrasonic cleaners, as well as heat steamers.- First Published: June-14-2013
- Last Updated: September-25-2017
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