This is the extremely rare, ruby-red variety of beryl. The name bixbite is, however, controversial, due to the fact that it is easily confused with bixbyite, an opaque manganese iron oxide of no gemological value, occurring, likewise, In rhyolite in the United States (Utah). Bixbite has a different origin from that of both‘ emerald and pegmatite beryle.being found in effusive magmatic rocks, and- is seen an small crystals, yielding gems usually no more than a caret in weight, although some may be 2 or 3 ca-rats.

Appearance Bixbite is a strong, almost ruby-red, or violet red, always with numerous inclusions and often, internal flaws. its pleochroism is comparable to that of ruby.

Distinctive. features Too few examples have been seen to permit generalization. The refractive indices are high for beryl, ca. ne 1.585, nu: 1.594.

Occurrence Bixbite has only been found in rhyolite in the United States (Utah and New Mexico).

Value Given its extreme rarity, attractive color and the publicity that surrounded its discovery, it is of high value. but extremely hard to come by, hence, an exclusive collector's item.

Simulants and synthetics Being very little known, it has not been imitated, nor produced synthetically, at any rate not commercially.