HELIODOR

Overview: Heliodor derives its name from Greek word meaning sun and gift in allusion to its color. It is a beryllium aluminum silicate. The golden color is produced when iron replaces some of the aluminum in the crystal structure. Heliodor can contain trace amounts of uranium, making it slightly radioactive.

Heliodor is famous for its perfect, six-sided prismatic hexagon crystals that usually occur individually. The color of heliodor is due to trace amounts of iron impurities in the beryl structure. This stone is not often used in jewelry because it lacks brilliance and fire.

Usage: To improve communicative abilities and make one compassionate and sympathetic towards others. Heliodor has been used as a charm to promote sincerity and sympathy, and as a remedy for idleness. Heliodor also is said to make one more compassionate and sympathetic towards others.

Legend: The name Helidor was first applied to fine golden beryl from a particular location in South West Africa in the early twentieth century in an attempt to gain publicity.

Occurrence:Heliodor is found in Madagascar, Brazil, North Carolina and California in the U.S., and in Middle Eastern countries and Russia.