gemstone

Emerald in Matrix

Beryl (Be3Al2Si6O18) with Chromium/Vanadium impurities

Hardness: 7.5-8.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Intense green to bluish-green; Luster: Vitreous to resinous; Crystal structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Poor/indistinct basal; Specific Gravity: 2.67-2.78

Hardness: 7
Color: Intense green to bluish-green
Luster: Vitreous to resinous

Identified July 14, 2026More gemstone →

Explore Emerald in Matrix in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 7.5-8.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Intense green to bluish-green; Luster: Vitreous to resinous; Crystal structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Poor/indistinct basal; Specific Gravity: 2.67-2.78

Formation & geological history

Emeralds are typically found in hydrothermal veins or at the contact between granitic pegmatites and metamorphic rocks/schists. Most high-quality specimens are ancient, dating from hundreds of millions of years ago, formed under intense pressure and heat.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in high-end jewelry and as highly collectible mineral specimens for investors and geological enthusiasts.

Geological facts

Emerald is one of the 'Big Four' precious gemstones. The inclusion of chromium is what gives it the distinct green color; without it, the mineral would be colorless or a different color beryl variant like aquamarine.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its characteristic hexagonal crystal habit and distinctive vivid green color (even in raw form). Commonly found in Colombia, Brazil, and African nations like Zambia.

Other gemstone specimens

See all

Cubic Zirconia (simulant) or Diamond

ZrO2 (Cubic Zirconia) or C (Diamond)

gemstone

Ammolite

Ammolite (Biogenic Aragonite with trace elements; fossils of Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare)

mineral

Cubic Zirconia (or possibly Diamond)

Zirconium dioxide (or Carbon)

gemstone

Red Jasper

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions

sedimentary

Faceted Gemstone

Unknown transparent mineral, possibly Diamond (C), Cubic Zirconia (ZrO2), Quartz (SiO2), or Glass

gemstone

Milky Quartz

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2)

mineral