Minerals · common
Heliodor
Heliodor is gem-quality greenish-yellow variety of beryl.
Heliodor properties at a glance
| Type | Minerals |
|---|---|
| Mohs hardness | 5 |
| Luster | vitreous |
| Streak | White to light-colored |
| Fracture | Uneven to conchoidal |
| Specific gravity | 2.7 |
| Transparency | opaque |
| Common colors | Various |
| Rarity | common |
How to identify Heliodor
- Compare the specimen's color, luster, crystal habit, grain size, streak, and locality before confirming.
- Use multiple photos when possible, including a fresh surface and a close view of texture.
Full Heliodor identification guide: checklist, home tests and look-alikes →
Heliodor vs similar stones
Not sure it isn't something else? Side-by-side comparisons with the stones most often confused with Heliodor.
Where Heliodor is found
Reported from multiple localities worldwide; verify locality against specimen provenance when available.
How much is Heliodor worth?
| Entry-level specimen | $2 |
|---|---|
| Typical collector specimen | $20 |
| Premium specimen | $150+ |
Value depends on size, crystal quality, color, locality, rarity, damage, and provenance.
Common uses
- Collector specimens
- Education
- Field identification
- Industrial or lapidary use when suitable
Interesting facts
- Heliodor is useful for field identification because texture, color, luster, and context can narrow the match.
- Specimens labeled Heliodor can vary by locality, weathering, impurities, and crystal or grain size.
- A fresh surface and multiple photos usually improve identification confidence.
Care & safety
Handle as a collector specimen until hardness, cleavage, and fracture are verified.
Avoid inhaling dust. Do not cut, grind, or polish unknown specimens without eye protection and a proper respirator.
Heliodor FAQ
What is Heliodor?
Heliodor is gem-quality greenish-yellow variety of beryl.
How much is Heliodor worth?
Entry-level Heliodor specimens sell for around $2, a typical collector specimen for about $20, and premium pieces for $150 or more. Value depends on size, crystal quality, color, locality, rarity, damage, and provenance.
How hard is Heliodor?
Heliodor has a Mohs hardness of 5. A steel knife blade (Mohs 5.5) scratches it; a copper coin does not.
What is Heliodor used for?
Heliodor is used for collector specimens, education, field identification, and industrial or lapidary use when suitable.
