A deep-blue color center can be introduced into some beryl by gamma ray, X-ray, or neutron irradiation. If the original color is yellow or green, then a green or blue-green color can result from introduction of the same color center. This color center is characterized by: (1) strong dichroism with the intense optical absorption in the ordinary ray; (2) narrow band absorptions in the 5000 to 7000 Å region in the ordinary ray only; and (3) fading of this center on exposure to light or on heating to above 100°C. Very similar material, showing an absorption spectrum differing only in minor details, was found in Brazil at the Maxixe Mine about 1917, and the modern material has been named “Maxixe-type” beryl.

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