mineral
Emerald
Beryl (Be3Al2Si6O18 with Chromium/Vanadium impurities)
Hardness: 7.5-8.0 (Mohs scale), Color: Vivid green to bluish green, Luster: Vitreous, Crystal Structure: Hexagonal, Cleavage: Imperfect basal, Specific Gravity: 2.67-2.78
- Hardness
- 7
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Physical properties
Hardness: 7.5-8.0 (Mohs scale), Color: Vivid green to bluish green, Luster: Vitreous, Crystal Structure: Hexagonal, Cleavage: Imperfect basal, Specific Gravity: 2.67-2.78
Formation & geological history
Formed in hydrothermal veins or pegmatites where beryllium-rich fluids meet chromium-rich host rocks. Frequently found in metamorphic schist environments.
Uses & applications
Primary use is in high-end jewelry and as a investment-grade gemstone. Occasional use in historical artifacts and as a collector's mineral specimen.
Geological facts
Emeralds are often more included than other gemstones; these internal fractures are known as 'jardin' (French for garden). Most emeralds are oil-treated to improve clarity.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its characteristic six-sided hexagonal prism shape and deep green color. Significant deposits are found in Colombia, Brazil, and Zambia. Collectors look for color saturation and clarity.
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