Goshenite

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Goshenite has a specific gravity of 2.72 and a refractive index of 1.577–1.583, with a Mohs hardness of 7.5–8.0. It is uniaxial −.

Physical & Optical Properties

RI Range1.577–1.583

SG Range2.68–2.80

SG Typical2.72

Hardness (Mohs)7.5–8

Crystal SystemHexagonal

Optic CharacterDR Uniaxial (−)

Birefringence0.006

Dispersion0.014

Fluorescence LWInert

Fluorescence SWInert

Chelsea FilterInert

PleochroismNone

ColorsColorless

SpeciesBeryl

VarietyGoshenite (Colorless Beryl)

Key Differentiators

RI 1.577–1.583 clearly lower than white sapphire (1.762) and white topaz (1.619–1.627)
Higher RI than quartz (1.544–1.553) and harder (7.5–8 vs 7) — distinguishes from rock crystal
Low dispersion (0.014) — less fire than diamond; historically used as diamond simulant
Characteristic beryl inclusions: growth tubes, two-phase inclusions, etch channels
SG ~2.72 — lower than most white simulants (white sapphire 4.00, white topaz 3.53)

Natural vs. Synthetic

Synthetic goshenite is commercially available (Hydrothermal). Distinguishing natural from synthetic typically requires microscopic examination of internal features.

Microscopy: Growth tubes, two-phase inclusions, etch channels, irregular fluid fingerprints typical of natural beryl Synthetic: Hydrothermal synthetic beryl shows veil-like two-phase inclusions along growth planes (chevron pattern), nailhead spicule inclusions, and more inclusion-free zones

GemID Pro includes a two-phase natural vs. synthetic testing protocol for Goshenite.

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Common Simulants

Diamond: Adamantine luster, RI 2.417, SG 3.52, isotropic; thermal conductivity probe indicates diamond
White Sapphire: Corundum RI 1.762–1.778, SG 4.00; much higher RI and density
White Topaz: RI 1.619–1.627, SG 3.53–3.56; one perfect cleavage direction; higher RI than goshenite
Rock Crystal (Quartz): RI 1.544–1.553, SG 2.65; lower RI and softer (7) than goshenite
Glass: Isotropic; gas bubbles and swirl marks; variable RI typically lower than goshenite
Cubic Zirconia: Isotropic (SR), RI 2.150–2.180, SG 5.60–5.95; much higher RI and very high SG

Commonly Confused With

Commonly confused with: Diamond, White Sapphire, White Topaz.

Treatments

Irradiation (converts to aquamarine or heliodor)
Heat Treatment

Price Context

Natural — low ($/ct)$20

Natural — high ($/ct)$200

NoteGoshenite is often undervalued as a colorless stone; $20–200/ct for clean faceted material. Rarely sought as a primary gem; used as a diamond or white sapphire simulant historically.

Synthetic — low ($/ct)$10

Synthetic — high ($/ct)$50

Price context is approximate. GemID is not an appraisal tool. Results are indicators, not certified valuations.

Measurement Guides

Identifying a goshenite? GemID walks through these tests in order — RI, SG, fluorescence, and more.

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Studying for the GIA, FGA, or FEEG practical? Goshenite is one of the 130 species in GemID’s drill and exam pool — practice identifying it from its measured properties under timed exam conditions.

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