mineral

Emerald

Beryl (Be3Al2(SiO3)6) with Chromium/Vanadium impurities

Hardness: 7.5-8.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Vivid green to bluish green; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Imperfect basal; Specific Gravity: 2.67-2.78

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

Identified May 19, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Hardness: 7.5-8.0 on 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-bearing rocks, often associated with metamorphic or igneous environments; geological ages vary from hundreds of millions to billions of years.

Uses & applications

Primarily used in high-end jewelry and as a gemstone for collectors; highly valued for various cultural and historical ornamental purposes.

Geological facts

Emeralds are one of the 'Big Three' colored gemstones along with rubies and sapphires. Most emeralds contain tiny inclusions known as 'jardin' (French for garden) because of their mossy look.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinct rich green color and hexagonal prism growth habit in rough form; commonly found in Colombia, Brazil, and Zambia; field identification requires checking for dichroism and refractive index.

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