gemstone

Rough emerald (beryl) specimens

Emerald, green beryl — Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈, colored mainly by chromium and/or vanadium

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

Typically Mohs 7.5–8; green to blue-green, vitreous luster, hexagonal crystal structure, and indistinct cleavage. The pieces appear rough, heavily included, and partly matrix-bearing; some may be dyed glass or another green mineral, so identification requires testing.

Identified September 14, 2026More gemstone →

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At a glance

Common name: Rough emerald (beryl) specimens
Scientific name: Emerald, green beryl — Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈, colored mainly by chromium and/or vanadium
Category: gemstone
Identified: September 14, 2026
Method: Standard

AI Estimated Value

Approximately $10–$100 for opaque rough or low-grade material; $100–$1,000+ per piece for attractive natural rough, with fine transparent emerald rough potentially far higher.

Not an official valuation

AI estimate for general interest only — not an appraisal. Actual value depends on condition, provenance, and market demand. Verify with a professional before buying, selling, or insuring.

This identification was generated by AI and may contain errors. Verify important details before relying on them — and never use an AI result to judge whether a specimen is safe to handle. Read the full disclaimer

Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Emerald forms in hydrothermal or metasomatic veins where beryllium-rich fluids react with chromium/vanadium-bearing rocks, commonly during Precambrian to younger mountain-building events. Major sources include Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

Uses & applications

Transparent material is cut for jewelry; included rough is sold to collectors or used for cabochons and carvings. Non-gem green beryl has limited ornamental value.

Geological facts

Natural emeralds commonly contain fractures and fluid or mineral inclusions, traditionally called “jardin.” Color alone is not diagnostic because treated beryl, fluorite, glass, and other minerals can look similar.

Field identification & locations

Look for hexagonal prisms, strong green color, glassy luster, and hardness sufficient to scratch ordinary glass, while avoiding destructive tests. These irregular pieces lack diagnostic crystal form and should be confirmed by refractive index, specific gravity, spectroscopy, or a gem laboratory.