Phenakite

Be2SiO4

These samples of phenakite are displayed in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Phenakite is a silicate mineral of beryllium with the composition Be2SiO4. The sample above right is about 18 cm across and is from Kragero, Telemark, Norway. The sample above left is 4-5 cm across and is from Mt. Antero, Chaffee County, Colorado. They are shown at the same scale.

This sample of phenakite is about 8 cm tall and is from Anjanabonoina, Madagascar.

This phenakite gem is 17.8 carats.

This extraordinarily large phenakite crystal is about 6x7 cm and is from Sao Miguel de Piracicaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

"Phenakite often forms well-developed crystals - but rarely of this size and clarity. The name comes from the Greek word phenakos, meaning 'deceiver' - a reference to the fact that phenakite was once mistaken for quartz.

Mindat: Phenakite

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