Raw Stones
271 pieces
Tumbled Stones
202 pieces
Palm Stones
37 pieces
Crystal Points
38 pieces
Clusters & Geodes
63 pieces
Polished & Decor
125 pieces
Mineral Specimens
70 collector pieces
Crystal Chips
22 pieces
Browse everything
Every collection, one page.
View All Collections →
Aries
Mar 21 – Apr 19
Carnelian
›
Taurus
Apr 20 – May 20
Rose Quartz
›
Gemini
May 21 – Jun 20
Agate
›
Cancer
Jun 21 – Jul 22
Moonstone
›
Leo
Jul 23 – Aug 22
Citrine
›
Virgo
Aug 23 – Sep 22
Amazonite
›
Libra
Sep 23 – Oct 22
Blue Lace Agate
›
Scorpio
Oct 23 – Nov 21
Obsidian
›
Sagittarius
Nov 22 – Dec 21
Sodalite
›
Capricorn
Dec 22 – Jan 19
Black Tourmaline
›
Aquarius
Jan 20 – Feb 18
Amethyst
›
Pisces
Feb 19 – Mar 20
Aquamarine
›
Gifting?
A birthday stone is the safe bet.
Read the zodiac guide →
Heliodor
Heliodor is cyclosilicate (beryl variety), Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈ + Fe. In the hand, it rates 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, and it runs golden yellow and greenish gold. Sun-gold beryl in six-sided prisms, harder than quartz, often with naturally etched, sculpted crystal surfaces. Pegmatites: Volodarsk (Ukraine, famous etched crystals), Brazil, Namibia (the 1910 namesake find), Madagascar.
The geology.
Heliodor carries the formula Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈ + Fe. It belongs to the hexagonal system. Its listing category is cyclosilicate (beryl variety).
It sits at 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. The surface reads vitreous. Light behaviour is transparent to translucent. Specific gravity runs 2.66 to 2.87. The streak is white. It breaks with indistinct cleavage; conchoidal fracture.
Sun-gold beryl in six-sided prisms, harder than quartz, often with naturally etched, sculpted crystal surfaces.
It turns up mostly as hexagonal prisms, etched skeletal crystals, faceted or tumbled.
The origins.
Pegmatites: Volodarsk (Ukraine, famous etched crystals), Brazil, Namibia (the 1910 namesake find), Madagascar.
On value, the database notes: mid-range; sharp etched Ukrainian crystals are collector pieces.
Traditional associations.
In energy work traditions, associated with confidence, optimism, and willpower.
This is lore, and we label it as lore. The measurable facts are further up the page.
Spotting the real thing.
Sun-gold beryl in six-sided prisms, harder than quartz, often with naturally etched, sculpted crystal surfaces.
Heated and irradiated beryls deepen some golden colors; citrine is commonly upsold as heliodor.
| Looks like | How to tell them apart |
|---|---|
| Citrine | Citrine is softer (7) and lighter; heliodor scratches quartz and forms cleaner hexagons |
| Yellow topaz | Topaz is denser with perfect basal cleavage |
| Brazilianite | Brazilianite is knife-scratchable (5.5) in spear-shaped crystals |
At-home tests.
A loupe and a window seat settle most questions about heliodor. No workshop required.
| Test | What you should see |
|---|---|
| Scratch check | Scratches quartz (Mohs 7.5+) |
| By eye | Hexagonal prism with lengthwise striations |
| By eye | Notably etched faces on Ukrainian material |
Stop short of anything that leaves a mark. A gemologist can answer the rest without damaging the stone.
Care & handling.
At 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale it stands up to everyday wear. It will still chip on a hard knock, so treat edges and points with respect.
It breaks with indistinct cleavage; conchoidal fracture, which is worth knowing before you set it or drop it.
Skip the ultrasonic. Lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft cloth handle routine cleaning without risk.
A deeper look.
Extended detail on composition, sourcing, authentication and market value.
The physical record
The formula on record is Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈ + Fe. Crystal system: Hexagonal. Specific gravity: 2.66 to 2.87. Streak: White. Cleavage and fracture: Indistinct cleavage; conchoidal fracture.
How it reaches the market
Pegmatites: Volodarsk (Ukraine, famous etched crystals), Brazil, Namibia (the 1910 namesake find), Madagascar.
What it gets confused with
Citrine: Citrine is softer (7) and lighter; heliodor scratches quartz and forms cleaner hexagons. Yellow topaz: Topaz is denser with perfect basal cleavage. Brazilianite: Brazilianite is knife-scratchable (5.5) in spear-shaped crystals.
What it is worth
Mid-range; sharp etched Ukrainian crystals are collector pieces.
Where buyers get caught
Heated and irradiated beryls deepen some golden colors; citrine is commonly upsold as heliodor.
One more thing
Named 'gift of the sun' in Greek by its German discoverers in Namibia, then marketed with a sun-themed jewelry line within a year.
An education-first guide.
We do not carry heliodor. This page exists because the question comes up and the honest answer is worth writing down, whether or not there is anything here to sell you.
Explore the Crystal Guide