beryl

Meaning

A hard mineral consisting of beryllium aluminum silicate, often occurring in hexagonal crystals and serving as the primary ore of beryllium, with transparent varieties like emerald and aquamarine being highly prized as gemstones.

Examples

• The geologist discovered a large, opaque beryl crystal embedded in the granite rock face.
• While emerald is the most famous variety of beryl, the mineral also appears in blue, yellow, and colorless forms.