Chemical Name: Cesium, lithium, beryllium silicate
Formula: Cs(Be2Li)Al2Si6O18
Colors: Raspberry, red, orange-red, pink
Structure: Hexagonal, trigonal
Hardness: 8
Specific Gravity: 3.1
Refractive Index: 1.601-1.620
Lustre: Vitreous
Streak: White
Locations: Afghanistan, Madagascar
What is Pezzottaite?
Pezzottaite was only formally recognized as a new mineral in 2003, having previously been considered a variety of red beryl. Although similar to the crystals found in Utah, USA, its chemical elements differ, and unlike beryl, it crystalizes in the trigonal crystal system. Nonetheless, it has been marked as a raspberry or raspberry beryl, and it ranges in color from raspberry red through to orange-red and pink. Most Pezzottaite gems are small, between one and two carats. About 10% will show chatoyancy, or “cat’s eye”