
mineral
Raw emerald-bearing beryl (probable)
Beryl, Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈; green color from trace chromium and/or vanadium
AI-generated identification · may be incorrectHardness 7.5–8 Mohs; translucent to opaque green, vitreous to greasy luster, hexagonal crystal structure, and poor basal cleavage. The specimen appears embedded in a gray schist or mica-rich matrix, though image identification is not definitive.
Identified More mineral →
Explore Raw emerald-bearing beryl (probable) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness 7.5–8 Mohs; translucent to opaque green, vitreous to greasy luster, hexagonal crystal structure, and poor basal cleavage. The specimen appears embedded in a gray schist or mica-rich matrix, though image identification is not definitive.
Formation & geological history
Forms in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites during late-stage igneous activity, commonly in metamorphic rocks; deposits range from Precambrian to younger ages. Major sources include Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Russia, and Afghanistan.
Uses & applications
Gem-quality material is cut as emerald; non-gem beryl is mainly a collector specimen. Emerald value depends strongly on color, clarity, transparency, treatment, and whether the green is chromium- or vanadium-related.
Geological facts
Emerald is the green gem variety of beryl, while aquamarine is blue beryl. Most natural emeralds contain inclusions, traditionally called a jardin (“garden”).
Field identification & locations
Look for a saturated green color, hexagonal prismatic crystals, hardness above glass, and mica-rich or pegmatitic matrix; fluorite or green quartz are possible alternatives. Professional testing for refractive index and chemistry is needed for confirmation.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Gneiss or Schist
Gneiss or Mica Schist with Garnet
Metamorphic
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Pegmatite with Tourmaline and Quartz
Igneous Pegmatite
igneous
Granite
Granite (Phaneritic intrusive igneous rock)
igneous
Septarian Pebble
Septarian nodule / Concretion
sedimentary