gemstone

Emerald in Quartz Matrix

Beryl (Be3Al2Si6O18) with trace Chromium/Vanadium

Hardness: 7.5-8.0; Color: Green in white/grey matrix; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (beryl) in trigonal (quartz); Cleavage: Poor/Indistinct; SG: 2.67-2.78.

Hardness: 7
Color: Green in white/grey matrix
Luster: Vitreous to greasy

Identified July 21, 2026More gemstone →

Explore Emerald in Quartz 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; Color: Green in white/grey matrix; Luster: Vitreous to greasy; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal (beryl) in trigonal (quartz); Cleavage: Poor/Indistinct; SG: 2.67-2.78.

Formation & geological history

Formed in metamorphic or hydrothermal environments where beryllium-rich fluids interact with chromium or vanadium-bearing rocks. Often found in schist or pegmatite deposits.

Uses & applications

Jewelry, lapidary use, mineral collecting, and historical use as birthstones or talismans.

Geological facts

Emeralds are one of the 'Big Three' colored gemstones. Unlike many other gems, inclusions (known as the 'jardin' or garden) are often accepted and even used to prove natural origin.

Field identification & locations

Identify by the characteristic 'emerald green' hue against a lighter quartz or darker schist matrix. Commonly found in Colombia, Brazil, and Zambia. Collectors look for high saturation of green and transparency of the crystal.

Other gemstone specimens

See all

Diamond and Gold Jewelry

Carbon (Diamond) / Au (Gold)

gemstone

Ammolite

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

mineral

Cubic Zirconia (simulant) or Diamond

ZrO2 (Cubic Zirconia) or C (Diamond)

gemstone

Red Jasper

Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions

sedimentary

Cubic Zirconia (or possibly Diamond)

Zirconium dioxide (or Carbon)

gemstone

Faceted Gemstone

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

gemstone