By Chisom Ibemere
Heliodor is a member of the mineral beryl popular for its golden-yellow colour from pale yellow, greenish yellow, orange-yellow, to a deep golden orange.
The name “heliodor” is derived from the Greek words “helios” meaning sun and “doron” meaning gift, referring to its golden-yellow color. It was first discovered in the 1800s in the Ural Mountains of Russia.
Heliodor is found in various locations around the world, such as Brazil, Madagascar, Namibia, Afghanistan, and the United States. The largest sources of high-quality heliodor are found in Namibia.
Heliodor is primarily used as a gemstone in jewellery due to its attractive yellow colour and can be used in the production of decorative objects and collector’s items. Heliodor has no significant industrial uses.
Heliodor is a variety of the mineral beryl, which has a Mohs hardness of 7.5-8, making it a relatively hard gemstone. It has a vitreous luster and its color can range from a pale yellow to a deep golden hue.
It is a relatively rare gemstone compared to other gemstones, but not as scarce as some other beryls like emerald or morganite.
HELIODOR that are high quality and well-cut can command high prices, especially larger stones over 5 carats.
However, heliodor is generally less valuable than other yellow gemstones like yellow sapphire or yellow diamond. The global market for heliodor is relatively niche, with most demand coming from gem collectors and specialty jewelry buyers.
Heliodor is appreciated for its beautiful golden color and rarity, but it does not command the same global value as some other precious gemstones.
