mineral

Emerald (Faceted Gemstone)

Beryl (Be3Al2Si6O18 with Chromium/Vanadium impurities)

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

Hardness: 7
Color: Vivid green to bluish green
Luster: Vitreous

Identified March 13, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

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

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins or pegmatites where beryllium-rich fluids interact with chromium or vanadium-rich rocks. Geological age varies from 30 million to 2.9 billion years old depending on the locality.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a precious gemstone in high-end jewelry and for investment-grade mineral collections.

Geological facts

Emeralds are the birthstone for May. Unlike rubies or sapphires, almost all natural emeralds contain inclusions (referred to as a 'jardin'), making flawless stones extremely rare.

Field identification & locations

Identified in the field by its distinct green color and hexagonal prism crystal habit. Key locations include Colombia, Brazil, Zambia, and Ethiopia. Testing for refractive index and specific gravity is required to distinguish from lookalikes like tsavorite garnet or green glass.

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