mineral

Raw Emerald

Beryl (Be3Al2(SiO3)6) with Cr/V impurities

Hardness: 7.5-8.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Vivid green to bluish-green; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Poor/Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 2.76

Hardness: 7
Color: Vivid green to bluish-green
Luster: Vitreous

Identified March 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7.5-8.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Vivid green to bluish-green; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Poor/Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 2.76

Formation & geological history

Formed in pegmatites or hydrothermal veins where beryllium and chromium/vanadium meet. Often found in metamorphic rocks like schist or sedimentary limestone (notably in Colombia). Most commercial deposits range from 30 million to 300 million years old.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a precious gemstone in jewelry. Lower quality specimens are sold as collector mineral samples or used for industrial beryl extraction.

Geological facts

Emeralds are one of the 'Big Four' precious stones. The presence of chromium or vanadium is what gives the beryl its distinct green; without them, it would be colorless or a different beryl variety (like Aquamarine).

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its distinct hexagonal crystal habit and characteristic 'jardin' (internal inclusions). Commonly found in Colombia, Brazil, Zambia, and Ethiopia. Seekers should look for the green hue in quartz veins or mica schists.

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