gemstone
Emerald
Beryl (Be3Al2(SiO3)6)
Hardness: 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, Color: Green to bluish-green, Luster: Vitreous to sub-vitreous, Crystal Structure: Hexagonal, Specific Gravity: 2.68-2.78
- Hardness
- 7
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, Color: Green to bluish-green, Luster: Vitreous to sub-vitreous, Crystal Structure: Hexagonal, Specific Gravity: 2.68-2.78
Formation & geological history
Formed in metamorphic or igneous environments, typically hydrothermal veins or pegmatites where beryllium-rich fluids interact with surrounding rock, often dating back millions of years.
Uses & applications
High-end jewelry, collector specimens, and occasionally in laser technology.
Geological facts
Emeralds have been prized since antiquity, famously mined in ancient Egypt for Cleopatra, and often contain inclusions known as 'jardin' (garden) that make each stone unique.
Field identification & locations
Identified by its distinct green color, hexagonal crystal form, and relative hardness. Commonly found in Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, and Russia.
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