More than you ever wanted to know about Euclase

This edition of my ongoing series of blog posts about gem and mineral fact, fiction and lore, features euclase.  A little known gem.

Euclase is beryllium aluminum hydroxide silicate.   At 7 ½ in hardness it is fine for a gemstone, its perfect cleavage, however, makes it very hard to cut and polish successfully.  Once cut there is no doubt that it is a gem.

   

Euclase is a transparent gem that ranges between sea-green, light blue and colorless.  Colorless euclase can be irradiated to make it blue.Crystals occur within pegmatites and as druses. The crystals are a product of decomposition of beryl, a gem to which it is closely related.

There are occurrences in Brazil, Tanzania, Russia, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, and Austria.

Lore

Euclase is known to be a communication enhancement stone. 

“This mineral has been called the ‘stone of happiness’.  It can stimulate happiness in one’s life through activity, not only governed by reason, but governed by the heart, intuition, and serendipity.” ¹

It is known to enhance altruism, selflessness, and generosity; and is sometimes used by healers to promote happiness and joy; relieving stress and pain. 

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1)  1) Melody "Love is in the Earth- A Kaleidoscope of Crystals - The Reference Book Describing the Metaphysical Properties of the Mineral Kingdom"  pg. 160