gemstone
Emerald
Beryl (Be₃Al₂Si₆Oထ₈) with Chromium/Vanadium impurities
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness: 7.5-8.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Green; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Poor/Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 2.76.
- Hardness
- 7
- Color
- Green
- Luster
- Vitreous
Identified More gemstone →
Explore Emerald in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7.5-8.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Green; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Poor/Indistinct; Specific Gravity: 2.76.
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins or pegmatites where beryllium-rich fluids meet chromium or vanadium-rich rocks. Often found in metamorphic schists.
Uses & applications
Primarily used in high-end jewelry and as a gemstone for collectors.
Geological facts
Emeralds are one of the 'Big Four' precious gemstones. They often contain 'jardin' (internal inclusions) that contribute to their unique character and help identify natural vs. synthetic stones.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its distinctive hex-prism crystal habit and deep green color. Commonly found in Colombia, Brazil, and Zambia. Collectors should look for clarity and saturation of color.
More like this
Other gemstone specimens
Gemstone Ring
N/A - Set piece of jewelry, likely Amethyst or Garnet with Diamond or CZ
gemstone
Ammolite
Ammolite (Biogenic Aragonite with trace elements; fossils of Placenticeras meeki and Placenticeras intercalare)
mineral
Diamond and Gold Jewelry
Carbon (Diamond) / Au (Gold)
gemstone
Red Jasper
Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) with Hematite inclusions
sedimentary
Cubic Zirconia (simulant) or Diamond
ZrO2 (Cubic Zirconia) or C (Diamond)
gemstone
Black Opal Ring (Carved Opal)
Hydrated Silicon Dioxide (SiO2·nH2O)
gemstone