mineral
Rough Emerald
Beryl (Be3Al2Si6O18 with Chromium and Vanadium impurities)
Hardness: 7.5-8.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Green to bluish-green; Luster: Vitreous to sub-vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Specific Gravity: 2.67-2.78; Cleavage: Poor/Imperfection
- Hardness
- 7
- Color
- Green to bluish-green
- Luster
- Vitreous to sub-vitreous
Identified More mineral →
Explore Rough Emerald in the encyclopedia →Identify your own rocks.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical properties
Hardness: 7.5-8.0 on Mohs scale; Color: Green to bluish-green; Luster: Vitreous to sub-vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Specific Gravity: 2.67-2.78; Cleavage: Poor/Imperfection
Formation & geological history
Formed in metamorphic or hydrothermal environments where beryllium comes into contact with chromium or vanadium. Often found in schist or pegmatite veins. Some of the world's most famous deposits are hundreds of millions of years old.
Uses & applications
Primary use is in high-end jewelry as a precious gemstone. Lower-grade specimens are highly sought after by mineral collectors for their crystal habits.
Geological facts
Emerald is one of the four recognized 'precious' gemstones. Most natural emeralds contain inclusions and surface-reaching fissures, often referred to as 'jardin' (French for garden) due to their mossy appearance.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its distinctive deep green color and hexagonal prismatic growth if crystals are intact. Commonly found in Colombia, Brazil, and Zambia. Collectors should look for color saturation and transparency.
More like this
Other mineral specimens
Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)
Arenite (SiO2 based)
sedimentary
Sandstone with Mineral Veining or Crust
Sedimentary Sandstone (mostly SiO2 with Fe2O3 tinting)
sedimentary
Schist
Schist
Metamorphic
Gypsum (variety Selenite or Alabaster)
Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O)
Mineral
Epidote
Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)
metamorphic
Nephrite Jade
Nephrite
Mineral/Rock