THE GEMSTONE LIBRARY
Phenakite (Gem) · Brazil
Known to mineral collectors as a crystal, Phenakite can also yield remarkably clear faceted gems. This page focuses on the gem material supplied to Soul Body Gems from Brazil.
What is Phenakite?
Phenakite is beryllium silicate, Be₂SiO₄. It crystallizes in the trigonal system and measures about 7½–8 on the Mohs hardness scale. Its name comes from a Greek word meaning “deceiver,” a reference to its resemblance to quartz. Phenakite is the accepted mineral name; phenacite is an older alternative spelling for the same mineral, not another species.
A Brazilian gem expression
Transparent Phenakite crystals occur in Brazilian pegmatites, and some are suitable for faceting. GIA notes that fashioned Phenakite is an unusual gemological encounter. The material in our photograph was supplied as Brazilian Phenakite; the image itself cannot confirm identity, exact locality or treatment. Our Norwegian Phenakite material has its own profile because it has a different provenance and presentation, while sharing the same mineral identity.
Care
Phenakite resists everyday surface scratches better than many softer gems, but hardness does not make a faceted stone immune to chipping. Protect facet edges from knocks and store gems separately. Use gentle cleaning appropriate to the setting rather than assuming all mounted stones tolerate steam or ultrasonic cleaning.
Sources
- International Mineralogical Association · Official mineral name and formula
- Mindat · Phenakite mineral data and historical spelling
- GIA Gems & Gemology · Phenakite as a cut gem
These sources describe Phenakite generally; they are not laboratory reports for the pictured gems.