It is very similar to fluorapatite in the hornfels environment, from which it is difficult to distinguish visually. Color is usually pale yellow to yellowish-green. Luster is vitreous. Diaphaneity is transparent.
Fracture is uneven to subconchoidal.
Hardness is 7.5 - 8. Streak is white. Known since antiquity, name comes from the Greek beryllos , an ancient term for a blue-green gem.