mineral

Emerald

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

Hardness: 7.5–8.0; Color: Vivid green to bluish green; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Poor/Imperfect; Specific Gravity: 2.67–2.78

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

Identified May 23, 2026More mineral →

Identify your own rocks.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Physical properties

Hardness: 7.5–8.0; Color: Vivid green to bluish green; Luster: Vitreous; Crystal Structure: Hexagonal; Cleavage: Poor/Imperfect; Specific Gravity: 2.67–2.78

Formation & geological history

Formed in hydrothermal veins or pegmatites where beryllium and chromium/vanadium meet. Many deposits date back to the Cretaceous period, often found in metamorphic schist or sedimentary limestone hosts.

Uses & applications

Primarily used as a precious gemstone in jewelry (birthstone for May) and as a high-value investment/collector mineral.

Geological facts

Emeralds are the most famous member of the beryl family. Nearly all emeralds contain inclusions, often called a 'jardin' (garden), which can help distinguish natural stones from synthetics.

Field identification & locations

Identify by its distinct grass-green color and hexagonal crystal habit. Found globally in Colombia, Brazil, Zambia, and Ethiopia. Collectors look for clarity and high color saturation.

Other mineral specimens

See all

Sandstone (with potential mineral staining/concretions)

Arenite (SiO2 based)

sedimentary

Epidote

Epidote | Ca2(Al2,Fe3+)(SiO4)(Si2O7)O(OH)

metamorphic

Nephrite Jade

Nephrite

Mineral/Rock

Banded Gneiss (River Rock/Pebble)

Gneiss (specifically a banded variety often found as a river rock)

Metamorphic Rock

Biotite Schist

Biotite-rich Schist [K(Mg,Fe)3AlSi3O10(F,OH)2]

metamorphic

Green Apatite on Albite

Fluorapatite [Ca5(PO4)3F] on Albite [Na(AlSi3O8)]

mineral