BERYLLONITE

beryllonite, a mineral phosphate of beryllium and sodium, nabepo4, found as highly complex orthorhombic crystals and as broken fragments in the disintegrated material of a granitic vein at stoneham, maine, where it is associated with felspar, smoky quartz, beryl and columbite. it was discovered by prof. e.s. dana in 1888, and named beryllonite because it contains beryllium in large amount. the crystals vary from colourless to white or pale yellowish, and are transparent with a vitreous lustre; there is a perfect cleavage in one direction. hardness 5-1/2-6; specific gravity 2.845. a few crystals have been cut and faceted, but, as the refractive index is no higher than that of quartz, they do not make very brilliant gem-stones.