mineral

Emerald (Beryl)

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

Hardness: 7.5-8.0 (Mohs scale), Color: Vivid green to bluish-green, Luster: Vitreous, Crystal structure: Hexagonal, Cleavage: Indistinct/Imperfect, Specific Gravity: 2.67-2.78

Hardness: 7

Identified March 27, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7.5-8.0 (Mohs scale), Color: Vivid green to bluish-green, Luster: Vitreous, Crystal structure: Hexagonal, Cleavage: Indistinct/Imperfect, Specific Gravity: 2.67-2.78

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins or pegmatites where beryllium and chromium meet. Famous deposits date back millions of years, found in metamorphic rocks (schists) or igneous intrusions.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a precious gemstone in jewelry. Low-quality specimens are kept as mineral samples for collectors or research.

Geological facts

Emeralds are often more included (fractured) than other gems, leading to the term 'jardin' (garden) for their internal patterns. Cleopatra was famously obsessed with emeralds from Egyptian mines.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by their distinct hexagonal prismatic crystals and rich green color that does not change under heat. Common locations include Colombia, Brazil, Zambia, and Ethiopia.

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