gemstone

Emerald in Matrix

Beryl (Be3Al2Si6O18) with Chromium/Vanadium impurities

Hardness: 7.5-8.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Green beryl crystals in a dark grey-black host rock; Luster: Vitreous (glassy) for the crystal, dull for matrix; Crystal structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Poor/Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 2.67-2.78.

Hardness: 7
Color: Green beryl crystals in a dark grey-black host rock
Luster: Vitreous (glassy) for the crystal, dull for matrix

Identified July 12, 2026More gemstone →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Emeralds are typically formed in hydrothermal veins or at the contact zones of granitic pegmatites and schist. They occur when beryllium from acidic igneous rocks interacts with chromium or vanadium in metamorphic host rocks. Origins range from hundreds of millions to billions of years old.

Uses & applications

Primarily used for gemstone jewelry when transparent; higher-quality specimens are for collectors. Non-gem grade 'matrix' specimens are popular for mineral collecting and metaphysical uses.

Geological facts

Emerald is the most famous green gemstone and is a variety of the mineral beryl. The green color is caused by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. Unlike many other gemstones, internal inclusions (often called 'jardin') are common and typically accepted by collectors.

Field identification & locations

Identify by looking for characteristic hexagonal (six-sided) prism crystals with a distinct green hue embedded in a darker Schist or Limestone matrix. Commonly found in Colombia, Brazil, Ethiopia, and Zambia. Collectors should look for vibrancy of color and crystal termination.

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