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The major source of green beryl is the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil. Crystals recovered from the hydrothermally-influenced granitic pegmatites there are noted for their numerous gas-liquid inclusions and also for the striking patterns of inclusions developed on partially healed fracture planes. Excellent pictures depicting the examples of these are found on page 158 of Dr. E. Gubelin's Internal World of Gemstones. Deposits in hydrothermal greisen formations (granitic rock composed of quartz, mica, and topaz) in the Transbiakalia region of the former U.S.S.R. yield fine alkali-free crystals with few inclusions. Madagascar, India, and Sri Lanka are the other sources of this variety of beryl.
Beryl has been recognized as an excellent material for gem carvings for centuries. New designs and techniques for faceting gemstones are proliferating. The growing demand for such carvings and "designer" gems has increased the public's knowledge and acceptance of many previously unappreciated gem materials. This includes the beautiful and durable natural green beryls, a distinctive choice for all types of jewelry appropriate for both ladies and gentlemen.
Correction: In the third paragraph of the previous Let's Talk Gemstones article on aquamarine, an error occurred in the transcription of my notes concerning the Marta Rocha crystal. The two sentences should read as follows:
"The standard for comparison of color in aquamarine was set by the deep blue Marta Rocha crystal recovered from the same area. Dr. Joel Arem tells us in his Color Encyclopedia of Gemstones that 300,000 carats of superb gems were cut from this 134 pound crystal."