Channel Constituents in Beryl

Abstract

The electronic absorption spectra of Fe^(2+) in non-chromium beryls are examined. Fe^(2+) in the Al-rich six-coordinate site produces absorption bands at about 820 nm and 970 nm polarized EIIc. Fe^(2+) in the channel produces bands at 820 nm (⊥c) and 2100 nm (IIc). Some blue beryls which are more intensely colored than most aquamarines, have an absorption band at ∼700 nm (‖c) which is suggested to arise from an Fe^(2+)/Fe^(3+) intervalence interaction. Fe^(2+) in both the six-coordinate site and the channel is identified in the Mössbauer spectra. The Mössbauer spectra of deep blue beryls are unusual and have not been satisfactorily explained. Color changes which accompany heating and irradiation are strongly influenced by the channel iron.

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