Bixbite Facet / Faceting Information

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

Jeff R. Graham

The late Jeff Graham was a prolific faceter, creator of many original faceting designs, and the author of several highly-regarded instructional faceting books such as Gram Faceting Designs.

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