Description

Phenakite crystal specimen comes from Russia.

Phenakite, sometimes also spelled Phenacite, is a rare beryllium silicate mineral with the chemical formula Be₂SiO₄. Phenakite is prized for its stunning gem clarity, brilliant luster, and hardness, making it sought-after by both mineral enthusiasts and the gem trade. Phenakite has long been known from the emerald and chrysoberyl mine on the Takovaya River, near Yekaterinburg (formerly Sverdlovsk), in the Urals region of Russia, where large crystals occur in mica schist. It also occurs in the granite of the Ilmen Mountains in the Urals and of the Pikes Peak region in Colorado. Phenacite is a nesosilicate mineral that crystallizes in the hexagonal system, forming prismatic crystals with sharp edges. The crystals are often colorless and transparent, but more commonly they are yellowish or greyish and translucent.
Phenacite is valued for its clarity, luster, and hardness, and is used in jewelry, scientific study, and metaphysical uses. The name “phenakite” comes from the Ancient Greek word phénax, which means “deceiver”, because it’s often mistaken for other gems, like quartz, beryl, and topaz.