mineral

Emerald

Beryl (Be3Al2Si6O18 with Chromium/Vanadium impurities)

Hardness: 7.5-8.0 (Mohs); Color: Vivid green to bluish green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Specific Gravity: 2.67-2.78; Cleavage: Poor/Indistinct.

Hardness: 7
Color: Vivid green to bluish green
Luster: Vitreous (glassy)

Identified June 29, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7.5-8.0 (Mohs); Color: Vivid green to bluish green; Luster: Vitreous (glassy); Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Specific Gravity: 2.67-2.78; Cleavage: Poor/Indistinct.

Formation & geological history

Formed in pegmatites or hydrothermal veins often associated with metamorphic rocks like schist or sedimentary limestone. They require a rare geological meeting of beryllium and chromium/vanadium.

Uses & applications

Primary use is in high-end jewelry and as a gemstone for collectors. Lower quality material may be used for carvings or as mineral specimens.

Geological facts

Emeralds are the birthstone for May. They are known for their 'jardin' (French for garden), which refers to the natural internal inclusions and fractures common in almost all emeralds.

Field identification & locations

Identification includes checking for 'emerald green' saturation, specific inclusions under magnification, and absence of strong fire (dispersion). While this image shows stones in a ring, natural emeralds are not geologically native to the sedimentary surface terrain of Southeast Kansas (the provided coordinates).

Other mineral specimens

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Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Schist

Metamorphic

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)

Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)

Mineral

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock