mineral
Emerald in Matrix
Beryl (Be3Al2Si6O18) with Chromium/Vanadium impurities
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7.5-8.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Green beryl crystal in a brown to gray host rock matrix; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Imperfect basal; Specific Gravity: 2.63-2.90
- Hardness
- 7
- Color
- Green beryl crystal in a brown to gray host rock matrix
- Luster
- Vitreous to greasy
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7.5-8.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Green beryl crystal in a brown to gray host rock matrix; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Imperfect basal; Specific Gravity: 2.63-2.90
Formation & geological history
Formed in pegmatites or hydrothermal veins where beryllium is present and undergoes metamorphism or igneous activity. Commonly found in host rocks like schist or quartz.
Uses & applications
Primarily used as a gemstone in jewelry, but raw specimens are highly valued by mineral collectors for study and display.
Geological facts
Emeralds are one of the 'Big Three' gemstones. The green color is specifically caused by trace amounts of chromium or sometimes vanadium replacing aluminum in the beryl structure.
Field identification & locations
Identify by looking for the distinct hexagonal prism shape of the green crystal embedded in a contrasting host rock. Major deposits are in Colombia, Brazil, and Zambia.
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Gneiss or Schist
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Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
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Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
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Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
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Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
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