Characteristics of Phenakite:

Chemical Name: Beryllium silicate

Formula: Be₂SiO₄

Colors: Colorless, white

Structure: Hexagonal/trigonal

Hardness: 7.5-8

Specific Gravity: 3

Refractive Index: 1.65-1.67

Lustre: Vitreous

Streak: Colorless

Locations: Russia, Norway, USA, France

What is Phenakite? 

Phenakite’s name originates from the Greek for “deceiver”. It can be colorless, but more often is translucent grey or yellow and, occasionally, pale rose-red. Phenakite is found in high-temperature pegmatites and in mica-schists, often accompanied by quartz, chrysoberyl, apatite, and topaz. Its crystals are mainly rhombohedrons, and sometimes short prisms. Transparent crystals are faceted for collectors. Its indices of refraction are higher than topaz, and its brilliance approaches that of diamond.