Beryl is a yellow colored crystal in the Quartz family that for many centuries was the original 'scrying stone' or crystal ball. Renowned for it's ability to induce magical visions in the minds of receptive people, many magicians still insist that Beryl is the best stone available for crystal gazing. A mirror of polished Beryl is believed to be able to reveal other people's secrets, no matter how well hidden or private they are.

There is a folk tradition that Beryl can make the idle industrious, and it is often used magically to increase energy, determination and motivation when you have to tackle boring or time consuming work. The stone is also reputed to quicken the wit and sharpen intellectual skills. Holding a piece of Beryl while you are reading or studying is said to ensure that the information is understood and remembered (though I haven't tested this myself, so don't rely on it for your next major exam!).