Bixbite Facet / Faceting Information
A Bixbite is more commonly known as a Red Beryl and are quite rare. This covers tips, guides and information on the cuts and facet that work for Bixbite.
Bixbite Facet / Faceting Information
Bixbite (Beryl)
Color: Red to strawberry-red
Moh's Hardness: 7.5-8
Refractive Index: 1.57-1.60
Critical Angle: 39.87°
Specific Gravity: 2.65-2.75
Cleavage: None
Fracture: Conchoidal, tough
Dispersion: .014
Heat Sensitivity: Moderate, depending on how clean the rough is
Dichroism: weak
Birefringence (double refraction): Weak (.006-.009)
Crystal Structure: Hexagonal
Treatments: None usually.
What I prefer to polishing with: Cerium oxide with a Spectra Ultralap.
Jeff's Comments: Rough is rare and expensive, usually small and not clean. Cuts and polishes like any other Beryl, usually no problems… I like to use a 1200 Nu Bond lap for pre-polish, it makes the polishing stage faster and easier. Orientating on the "c" is slightly better.
Design Notes: About any design will work well. I prefer a deeper design and often cut Barions. Step cuts are used a lot because of the small narrow crystals that are available.
Design Links: Signature #4 - This is one of my favorite cuts in Beryl
Blue Ice - Designed for very long crystals
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