Bixbite

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Bixbite
Chemical composition Be3Al2(SiO3)6 Beryllium aluminum silicate
Crystal system Hexagonal
Habit Prismatic
Cleavage Basal, poor
Fracture Conchoidal to uneven
Hardness 7.5 - 8
Optic nature Uniaxial -
Refractive index 1.561 - 1.577
Birefringence 0.004 - 0.009
Dispersion Low, 0.014
Specific gravity 2.63 - 2.72
Lustre Vitreous
Pleochroism Weak

Bixbite (or "Red Beryl") is the allochromatic orange-red to purplish-red variety of Beryl which owes its color due to Manganese (Mn) impurities.
Physical and optical properties may be slightly higher than usual Beryl properties.

Bixbite was named after Maynard Bixby of Utah, USA.
Locations where this rare mineral is found include Utah and New Mexico, USA.

Bixbite is rarely free from inclusions (most are heavily included) and stones above 3ct. are scarse.

Red (Bixbite) and pink (Morganite) Beryls are manufactured using the hydrothermal process by Biron International in Australia. The coloring agent in these synthetics is Titanium opposed to Manganese in their natural counterparts.