Rock Identifier
Emerald (Beryl (Be3Al2(SiO3)6)) — gemstone
gemstone

Emerald

Beryl (Be3Al2(SiO3)6)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Hardness of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, deep green color due to chromium and vanadium, vitreous luster, and hexagonal crystal system.

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 of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, deep green color due to chromium and vanadium, vitreous luster, and hexagonal crystal system.

Formation & geological history

Formed in metamorphic and hydrothermal environments where beryllium-rich fluids interact with surrounding rocks, often found in schist and pegmatites.

Uses & applications

Prized globally as a precious gemstone for high-end jewelry and collector specimens.

Geological facts

Emeralds were mined in Egypt as early as 1500 BCE and are often filled with natural inclusions known as the 'jardin'.

Field identification & locations

Identified by its distinct green hue, hexagonal prismatic crystals, and relative hardness; major sources include Colombia, Zambia, and Brazil.