mineral
Emerald in Matrix
Emerald (variety of Beryl) - Be3Al2(SiO3)6
Hardness: 7.5-8.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Green to bluish-green; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal System: Hexagonal; Specific Gravity: 2.72; Basal cleavage.
- Hardness
- 7
- Color
- Green to bluish-green
- Luster
- Vitreous
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7.5-8.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Green to bluish-green; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal System: Hexagonal; Specific Gravity: 2.72; Basal cleavage.
Formation & geological history
Emeralds form in pegmatites or hydrothermal veins in metamorphic rocks. They are colored green by trace amounts of chromium and/or vanadium. Formation often occurs in environments with high tectonic activity.
Uses & applications
Primary use is in high-end jewelry as a precious gemstone. Lower quality matrix specimens are popular for collection and display. Used anciently as talismans.
Geological facts
The name emerald comes from the Greek 'smaragdos' meaning green stone. Emeralds are one of the 'Big Three' colored gemstones along with Ruby and Sapphire. Flawless emeralds are extremely rare as most contain visible inclusions called 'jardin'.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its distinct hexagonal crystal habit and vivid green color. Often found embedded in white quartz or dark schist matrix. High quality deposits are famously found in Colombia, Brazil, and Zambia.
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