Named after Greek helios and doron, meaning sun and gift, Heliodor is a crystal of honey to lemon-yellow colour. It also comes in yellow-green, light green, and greenish-yellow colour. Heliodor a yellow variety of Beryl, and is mined in Nigeria, Brazil, Colombia, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Russia, and Ukraine.

The Physical Properties of Heliodor

*Heliodor_is a variety of Beryl, composed of beryllium aluminum cyclosilicate. Heliodor crystal with excellent clarity and rich in colour is often cut into beautiful gemstones. It stands up well to abrasion because of its Mohs hardness of 7.5-8. The yellowish tint is a result of the presence of iron (as pure Beryl is colourless). A heating or light treatment will sometimes improve the colour of the crystal, while further heating can transform it into a blue or greenish-blue material. Heliodor is suitable for earrings, pins, pendants, rings, and almost any other use in jewelry. On rare occasions, Heliodor can contain traces of uranium oxide (the radioactive material).

The History of Heliodor

Heliodor discovered in Western Namibia in 1910. It is the most brilliant form of Beryl (because of its vibrant greenish-yellow shade) whose name means gift from the sun in ancient Greek. The first time it got the attention of the public is when Lucas von Cranach (world-famous jeweler) designed a set of jewelry for the German Kaiser Wilhelm II. Enthusiasts and collectors much appreciate Heliodor because of its rarity. Other well-known varieties of Beryl are emerald, aquamarine, and morganite

The Lore of Heliodor

Heliodor is believed to help increase self-belief and self-confidence. It is also thought that people who meditate with it can awaken their inner flame. That will enable them to seek and find their self-worth and their place in the big picture or grand scheme of things. The crystal radiates the power of sunshine and warmth, a vibrant and centred physical wellbeing, and the illumination of higher thought. It was used a talisman to regain what was lost and to bring out the honesty in others.

The Metaphysical Properties of Heliodor

Heliodor helps its bearer develop aspects of male virtues “ benevolence, power, physical and mental strength, self-confidence, and assertiveness - as it is Yang in nature. It's a stone of selfless leadership and nobility, allowing one to make decisions based on wisdom, not on reaction or emotion. These virtues serve both men and women.

Being a hope stone, Heliodor helps alleviate nervousness and irritability, providing relief from immense pressure and heavy burdens. It is excellent for those struggling to balance career and caregiving as well as for the self-employed. Heliodor boosts one's determination to succeed when others have worn away their enthusiasm and vitality.

Wear Heliodor as a gem or keep it in your home to increase your buoyant energy and happiness, especially during the winter (when your home lacks natural light) or if you live in colder and darker climate. The crystal is reputed to help digestive, bladder, and kidney problems, while it's mainly known for helping people who lack energy or are tired (by relieving anxiety and stress). For people in relationships, Heliodor stimulates excellent psychic communication and can be helpful for people who are apart.