About Bixbite Stone
Also known popularly as Red Beryl and Red Emerald, Bixbite is one of the rarest varieties of the Beryl mineral, which is home to various alluring gemstones such as the
Emerald, Aquamarine, Heliodor, Morganite, Goshenite, and Pezzottaite. The red Beryl Bixbite mineral gets this attractive red color due to traces of Manganese present in it.
Red Beryl Meaning
Bixbite gets its name from the founder Maynard Bixby who discovered the Red Beryl mineral in 1905 in Utah, USA. By the 1950s, a bigger and more quantity of Bixbite was excavated from the Wah Wah Mountains of Utah, thereby becoming the only source of the gemstone. Bixbite hardness falls between 7.5 - 8 on the Mohs scale, and it’s tremendous color and luster make it an elegant choice for jewelry. The Wah Wah Mountains of Utah are the only place where Bixbite mining still takes place.
Chemical Formula | Be3Al2Si6O18 + Mn |
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Specific Gravity | 3.99 and 4.00 |
Refractive Index Diverges Between | 1.760-1.768 and 1.770-1.779 |
Mohs Hardness | 9 |
Certifications
Bixbite being exclusively sourced from Utah is prone to fraudulence. It is heated and treated with chemicals so as to improve its appearance to resemble a gem-quality Bixbite gemstone. Red Beryl gemstone that is treated or heated is rather to differentiate from the natural red Beryl gem since they appear to have similar physical properties. However, one can always consult a gemstone laboratory to find out the authenticity and quality of your Bixbite stone. These labs make use of modern-day technology and experienced gemologists who test the red Beryl stone and derive its authenticity and quality and subsequently issue a lab certificate that acts as the universal proof of the same. If you wish to purchase a Bixbite gem, make sure to get a lab certificate along with it so as to ensure you have purchased a real Bixbite Beryl.
At GemPundit, you will find an attractive collection of original Bixbite certified and verified to be real and of the top quality by renowned gemstone laboratories.
Bixbite Jewelry
The mesmerizing red color, the imminent luster, and the hardness make Bixbite jewelry a must-have for jewelry enthusiasts! Red Beryl jewelry comes in various attractive options with the most elegant choices being red Beryl necklace, ring, pendant, bracelets, etc. At GemPundit, you can find fascinating designs of attractive red Beryl jewelry.
Bixbite Stone Prices
Red Beryl price per carat can go up to costs as high as $10,000. Red Beryl price in India can similarly be as high as ₹750000 per carat. The red Beryl value is determined by assessing its quality factors such as Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight.
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Color
: Bixbite price increases for specimens with good color consistency. Generally, pinkish-red, deep rose red, and gooseberry red colors are desired and are in demand. The value for such specimens remains high and are thus priced accordingly. -
Clarity
: The red Beryl cost is also influenced by its clarity. Bixbite is usually heavily included. However, the red Beryl worth increases for pieces that are eye clean or have minimum visible inclusions or flaws. -
Cut
: A skillfully cut or faceted Bixbite will have enhanced color and can conceal any visible inclusions. However, this labor induces extra charge. In addition to this, cutting and faceting incur red Beryl rough wastage. All of this is compensated by the Bixbite cost. Generally, Bixbite cabochons are a more economical option since they incur less Bixbite rough gemstone wastage and require less labor to be processed. Evidently, fancy shaped gemstones will have a higher Bixbite value as compared to simple cuts or cabochons. -
Carat Weight
: The Bixbite cost is also determined by its carat weight. Usually, Bixbite raw is then processed to get small gemstones. It is rare to have procured a large specimen from a red Beryl raw mineral, and even if procured, it is usually heavily included and does not match up with the quality requirements. However, if the quality is not compromised, larger gemstones will have a higher price.
Bixbite and Pezzottaite are both extremely fascinating gemstones belonging to the Beryl mineral family. Lately, red Pezzottaite is sold as Bixbite in the trade. Although it does resemble the color and some mineral characteristics of Bixbite, it is not Bixbite. The chemistry and structure of the two crystals are absolutely different. Moreover, Bixbite is only sourced from Utah whereas Pezzottaite has been mined in Madagascar. It is rather difficult for layman to differentiate between the two and thus we at GemPundit advise our customers to consult a gemstone lab so as to obtain the details of the Bixbite gemstone.
Bixbite has a hardness of 7.5 - 8 on the Mohs scale, making it a rather durable gemstone. However, it tends to collect dirt over itself and needs to clean. To clean Bixbite, use warm water and mild soap to wash it. Using a soft brush will scrub off the dirt off the gemstone. Finally, rinse it with warm water and dry it with a soft cloth. Doing this fortnightly will keep your Bixbite gemstone clean and shiny.