Pure beryl is colorless, but it also occurs in a variety of colors including green, yellow, greenish-yellow, blue to blue-green, red, colorless and pink when tinted by impurities. The pink variety is known as Morganite, red is very rare and known as Bixbite, Goshenite is the colorless form. Golden beryl is a yellow-green and called Heliodor. Aquamarines and emeralds are actually a variety of beryl. Beryls are some of the most valuable of all the colored gemstones.

Dark blue beryls are available today that are actually light colored beryls treated with extreme heat, much in the same manner as blue topaz.

Beryl is a 7.5 to 8 on the hardness scale

Legend says that Beryl was used to ward off demons and evil spirits. Ancient literature notes that Pliny used powdered beryl to cure eye injuries. It is said to protect travelers from danger and to treat disorders of the heart and spine.

Other legends about Beryl indicate it was used to promote cheerfulness and marital love, to retard laziness, and maintain youthfulness. Golden beryl is said to make one sympathetic and increase sincerity.