mineral

Emerald / Green Beryl

Beryl (Be3Al2(SiO3)6) with Chromium/Vanadium impurities

Hardness: 7.5-8 on Mohs scale; Color: Deep green to bluish green; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Imperfect basal; Specific Gravity: 2.67-2.78.

Hardness: 7
Color: Deep green to bluish green
Luster: Vitreous

Identified April 19, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7.5-8 on Mohs scale; Color: Deep green to bluish green; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Imperfect basal; Specific Gravity: 2.67-2.78.

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins or pegmatites where beryllium-rich fluids interact with chromium or vanadium. Found in metamorphic rocks like schist or sedimentary rocks like limestone/shale (specifically in Colombia).

Uses & applications

Primary use is fine jewelry as one of the four precious gemstones. Also a highly prized collector's mineral.

Geological facts

Emeralds were mined in Ancient Egypt as early as 1500 BCE. Because of their growth process, almost all emeralds contain internal fractures called 'jardin' (French for garden).

Field identification & locations

Identify by its hex-prism crystal habit, intense green color, and characteristic internal inclusions. Found commonly in Colombia, Brazil, Zambia, and Ethiopia.

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral