Hannah’s Reflections ~Maxixe
Hi, I am Hannah.
Each week I will be researching Gemstone Families, and writing my findings here, so you can learn with me.
Today, I will be writing about Maxixe which is in The Beryl Family.
Maxixe belongs to the beryl family with the chemical composition of beryllium aluminum silicate (Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈).
A rare and fascinating member of the beryl family, Maxixe beryl stands as one of the most intriguing discoveries. While it shares its basic chemical structure with more familiar gems like emeralds and aquamarines, its unique deep blue coloration comes from an entirely different source: natural radiation. (This is such a interesting fact, that radiation can change an element of a gemstone, not just the usual elements). This special characteristic makes it not just another blue gemstone, but a window into understanding how radiation can affect mineral formation and coloration in nature.
The discovery of Maxixe beryl in 1917 at the Maxixe mine in Minas Gerais, Brazil, marked a significant moment in gemology. Since then, only a handful of other locations worldwide have produced this rare variety, making natural specimens extremely scarce. (The deep blue color is lovely. It’s such a beautifully rare gemstone and very interesting to learn about)
The natural radiation exposure that creates Maxixe beryl’s color typically comes from uranium and thorium minerals present in the surrounding rock. The intensity and duration of radiation exposure directly affect the depth and stability of the blue color, creating variations in quality even within the same deposit. (Fascinating that if the gemstone isn’t treated right when extracting, it could change the natural color of the stone)
Thank you for reading! I hope you’ve enjoyed this blog :)