EMERALD
Emerald
Beryl
Green beryl colored by chromium or vanadium. Aquamarine and morganite are varieties of the same mineral.
GEM PROFILE
Basic properties
- Mineral or material
- Beryl
- Main chemical composition
- Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈
- Crystal & structure
- Hexagonal
Hexagonal prisms are characteristic. Crystals may contain inclusions and fractures related to their growth and history.
- Typical colors
- Green to bluish green
- Mohs hardness
- 7.5–8
A measure of scratch resistance, distinct from resistance to impact or breakage.
About hardness and durability - Representative sources
Examples of known sources. Determining the origin of an individual stone requires examination and comparison with reference material.
- Common cutting styles
- The clipped rectangular emerald cut is characteristic. Oval cuts and cabochons are also used.
Explore cutting styles
LOOK A LITTLE CLOSER
What to observe
Internal inclusions can be distinctive. Assess transparency and fractures together, without assigning a geographic origin from a single feature.
TREATMENT & CARE
Treatments & care
Treatments & identification
Oils or resins are widely used to fill surface-reaching fractures. The nature and extent of filling vary between stones.
Everyday care
Avoid impacts, heat, ultrasonic cleaning and steam. Clean briefly and gently with lukewarm water and mild detergent, then rinse and dry.
Cleaning depends on treatment, inclusions and mounting. If a stone's condition is unknown, ask your jeweler or a gem specialist before cleaning.
READING & REFERENCES
References
Public sources for learning about this gemstone's general properties.
- GIA · Gemological reference
- GIA · Care & Cleaning
- Handbook of Mineralogy · Mineral data (PDF)
- GIA · Gem sources and fundamentals
This dictionary provides general educational information. Values are representative and do not identify or grade an individual stone. Locality examples include historical deposits.
Sources checked: October 19, 2026