Bixbite Gemstone: Properties, Value, and Collector Insights
Key Takeaways
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Red beryl, originally named bixbite, is a rare gemstone known for its unique pleochroism and striking red hues, significantly enhancing its appeal and value among collectors.
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Primarily found in Utah’s Wah Wah Mountains, particularly at the Ruby Violet Mine, red beryl owes its vibrant colour to trivalent manganese and exhibits a high refractive index and hardness, making it suitable for jewelry.
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Due to its rarity, red beryl is highly valuable, with high-quality stones fetching up to $10,000 per carat; its metaphysical properties further increase its appeal. It influences the Root and Heart Chakras for enhanced vitality and emotional balance.
What is Bixbite?
Bixbite, more commonly known as red beryl, is a gemstone discovered by Maynard Bixby in 1904. To avoid confusion with another mineral named bixbyite, the term ‘red beryl’ is now preferred. The name ‘red beryl’ evokes a sense of rarity and beauty, encapsulating the gemstone’s striking appearance and unique characteristics.
One of the unique characteristics of red beryl is its pleochroism, which allows it to display different colours when seen from various angles. This gemstone can exhibit shades ranging from purple-red and orange-red to deep red. Natural red beryl samples from Utah tend to be purplish-red, while synthetic versions can vary from red to orange-red. This pleochroic nature adds to its allure, making each piece of red beryl unique in its own right.
The enthralling hue and scarce occurrence of red beryl enhance its appeal and value. Its discovery over a century ago has paved the way for its recognition as one of the most precious gemstones in the world, sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Chemical Composition and Physical Properties
Red beryl’s composition is as captivating as its visual appeal. With a chemical formula of Be3(AlMn)2(SiO3)6, the gemstone owes its vivid red colour to the presence of trivalent manganese, along with possible trace amounts of iron and chromium. This unique combination of elements gives red beryl its striking hue and distinguishes it from other beryls.
Red beryl has the following physical properties:
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Crystallizes in a hexagonal system
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Refractive index ranging from 1.567 to 1.580
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Mohs scale of hardness between 7.5 and 8.0
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Vitreous lustre
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Specific gravity between 2.66 and 2.70
These properties make red beryl not only beautiful but also a robust choice for various types of jewelry pieces.
Major Red Beryl Localities
The origins of red beryl are as captivating as the gem itself. It was first discovered in the Thomas Range in Utah, a significant location today. However, it is the Wah Wah Mountains in Utah that are renowned for producing some of the most vibrant and unique red beryl specimens. These mountains, rich in volcanic rhyolite and topaz-bearing rhyolite deposits, are a primary source of this extraordinary gemstone.
The Ruby Violet Mine in the Wah Wah Mountains stands out as the only commercially viable source of gem-quality red beryl. This mine in Beaver County, Utah, is known for producing intensely saturated red beryl crystals highly valued for their quality and rarity. The ruby violet claim, also called the Violet Mine or Red Emerald Mine, highlights this location's significance in the red beryl world.
Other notable red beryl localities include the Thomas Range and various sites within the Wah Wah Mountains. These locations not only offer a glimpse into the geological processes that create red beryl but also underscore its rarity and value. Whether in rough form or as faceted stones, red beryl from these regions remains a gem collector’s dream.
Mining Locations and History
The mining history of red beryl is intertwined with the story of its discovery and the dedicated efforts to uncover this rare gemstone. Named bixbite by Alfred Eppler in honour of Maynard Bixby, a miner and mineral dealer from Salt Lake City, Utah, red beryl has a rich historical context. Significant mining sites include the Ruby Violet claims, also known as the Violet Mine or Harris Mine, in Beaver County, Utah.
The Thomas Range, where Maynard Bixby discovered red beryl in 1904, remains a key locality. Early recorded localities for red beryl include Maynard’s Mine in the Pismire Knolls of the Thomas Range and The Cove in Topaz Mountain, both in Juab County, Utah. These sites highlight the gemstone’s deep-rooted history and the enduring allure that captivates miners and collectors alike.
The Rarity and Value of Red Beryl
The scarcity of red beryl significantly contributes to its value. The gemstone’s unique red hue is due to the scarcity of trivalent manganese, making it one of the rarest minerals in the world. Found only in a few select mines in Utah, red beryl is highly coveted, and almost any size piece with any clarity and colour grade is desirable to collectors.
The vivid red colour of red beryl adds to its desirability, but the limited supply restricts its availability in the jewelry market. This scarcity makes red beryl gemstones exceptionally valuable, with larger stones commanding significantly higher prices due to their increased carat weight. The Ruby Violet Mine remains a crucial source of these high-quality, intensely coloured specimens.
Red beryl’s value increases exponentially with carat weight, making larger stones even more precious. This combination of rarity, vibrant colour, and limited availability ensures that red beryl remains one of the most sought-after gemstones for collectors and jewelry enthusiasts alike.
Red Beryl Metaphysical Properties
Besides its natural allure, red beryl is also esteemed for its spiritual properties. Known as a stone of physical vitality and action, red beryl is often referred to as the “Right Time” Crystal. It lends wisdom and self-confidence, helping individuals recognize the opportune moments for change. The gemstone radiates energies primarily in the red and magenta spectrum, enhancing its spiritual allure.
Red beryl’s metaphysical properties include:
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Energizing the physical body and boosting overall vitality and strength
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Enhancing material and spiritual abundance
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Assisting with spiritual navigation and personal empowerment
Red beryl, especially the most faceted red beryls, holds a special place in metaphysical gemstones, with the red beryl crystal being particularly sought after. As red beryl occurs rarely in nature, red beryl rough is considered a valuable find. Synthetic red beryl, on the other hand, offers an alternative for those who appreciate the beauty of this gemstone.
Red Beryl and the Chakras
The dynamic vibrations of red beryl position it as a potent protector and healer, especially in sync with the Root Chakra. This connection helps instill a sense of courage and willpower, drawing Life Force from the Earth. The gemstone’s red hue aligns it closely with the Root Chakra, enhancing its ability to:
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Ground and stabilize one’s energy
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Promote feelings of security and stability
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Increase physical vitality and strength
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Enhance courage and willpower
In addition to the Root Chakra, red beryl also influences the Heart Chakra, blending both energies to foster emotional balance and physical vitality. This dual resonance makes red beryl a unique and versatile stone for chakra healing and alignment.
How to Meditate with Red Beryl
Meditating with red beryl can be a transformative experience, especially for those seeking to enhance their physical energy and power. Red beryl helps open and energize this energy center by focusing on the Base Chakra, promoting vitality and strength. Holding or placing red beryl near the Base Chakra during meditation can amplify these effects, providing a deeper connection to the Earth’s energy.
Meditating in a calm and quiet environment is recommended to maximize the benefits, allowing the gemstone’s energy to resonate fully. Meditating with red beryl can lead to increased physical stamina and a heightened sense of well-being.
Red Beryl Jewelry
Red beryl's scarcity and intense hue make it a desirable choice for jewelry. With an estimated worth of a thousand times more than gold, top-quality faceted red beryl gems can fetch as much as $10,000 per carat. Despite the discouragement of using the trade name Bixbite to avoid confusion, it is sometimes still used for red beryl.
The gemstone’s raspberry-red colour, caused by manganese and trace amounts of iron, chromium, and calcium, adds to its allure. Red beryl is also known by other names such as ‘Red Emerald’ or ‘Scarlet Emerald,’ emphasizing its unique position among gemstones. The limited availability of red beryl, found only in the Thomas Range, Wah Wah Mountains in Utah, and the Black Range in New Mexico, further adds to its exclusivity.
Whether set in rings, necklaces, or earrings, red beryl jewelry is a statement of elegance and rarity. Its beautiful colouring and limited availability make it a prized addition to any jewelry collection.
Care and Maintenance of Red Beryl Gemstones
Appropriate care and upkeep are crucial to maintaining the beauty of red beryl gemstones. Here are some tips for cleaning and caring for your gemstone:
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Regularly clean the gemstone with mild soap and warm water.
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Use a soft brush to remove dirt and debris, especially behind the gemstone where dust collects.
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This simple routine helps maintain the gemstone’s lustre and brilliance.
It is also important to store red beryl jewelry separately from other pieces to prevent scratches and abrasions. Avoid exposing red beryl to harsh chemicals, household cleaners, perfumes, and extreme temperature changes, as these can cause thermal shock and damage the stone. By following these care guidelines, you can ensure that your red beryl jewelry remains pristine for years to come.
Associated Minerals and Unique Formations
The frequent association of red beryl with diverse minerals enhances its geological and visual charm. Commonly associated minerals include:
These minerals often occur alongside red beryl in its natural environment, contributing to unique and visually striking formations.
In addition to these associated minerals, red beryl can also form unique crystal structures such as tabular crystals and negative crystals. Mineral collectors and enthusiasts prize these formations, which highlight the diversity and complexity of Red Beryl’s geological context.
Summary
Red beryl, with its vibrant red hue and extreme rarity, stands out as one of the most remarkable gemstones in the world. Its unique chemical composition and physical properties, limited mining locations, and high market value capture the imagination of collectors and enthusiasts alike. Its metaphysical properties further enhance its allure, making it a stone of vitality and spiritual abundance.
In conclusion, red beryl is not just a gemstone but a symbol of rarity, beauty, and metaphysical power. Whether you are drawn to its physical characteristics, market value, or spiritual significance, red beryl offers a unique and enriching experience. Embrace the allure of red beryl and let it inspire you with its timeless elegance and profound energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is bixbite found?
Bixbite is found in Utah, specifically in the Thomas and Wah-Wah Mountain Ranges, as an accessory mineral in rhyolite.
What is red beryl?
Red beryl, or bixbite, is a rare gemstone discovered in 1904 by Maynard Bixby. It exhibits pleochroism and comes in various shades of red.
Why is red beryl so valuable?
Red beryl is valuable due to its rarity, vibrant colour, and limited availability, especially larger stones with higher carat weights.
How should I care for red beryl jewelry?
To care for red beryl jewelry, clean it with mild soap and warm water, store it separately to prevent scratches, and avoid harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures.
What are the metaphysical properties of red beryl?
Red beryl enhances physical vitality and promotes courage and willpower, resonating with the Root Chakra.