Diamond Vs. Emerald

Diamond is a very popular precious gemstone composed of carbon.^[1] Emerald is also a very popular gemstone and its chemical composition is beryllium aluminum silicate.^[2]

Quick Facts on Differences of Diamond and Emerald

For a quick recap of the differences diamond and emerald:

• For chemical formulas, diamond is C while emerald is Be3Al2Si6O18.
• In terms of luster, diamond is adamantine while emerald is vitreous.
• Diamond streaks white while emerald streaks colorless.
• Diamond can be commonly colorless while emerald can be commonly green.
• Diamond's hardness is higher than emerald - diamond is 9 and emerald ranges from 7.5 to 8 on the Moh's scale.
• Diamond's specific gravity is higher than emerald - diamond ranges from 2.9 to 3.5 and emerald ranges from 2.68 to 2.78.

Quick Facts on Similarities of Diamond and Emerald

The similarities of diamond and emerald include:

• Diamond and emerald both can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
• Diamond's rarity is similar to emerald.

Summary of Diamond

Diamond is a rare and valuable mineral that is highly sought after for its beauty and durability. It is composed of pure carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure, making it the hardest naturally occurring substance on Earth. The unique properties of diamond make it highly suitable for use in a variety of applications, from jewelry to industrial tools and equipment.

Summary of Emerald

Emerald is a green variety of beryl, a mineral that also includes aquamarine and morganite. The color of emerald is caused by the presence of chromium and vanadium in the crystal lattice. The intensity of the color and the purity of the green hue are the most important factors in determining the value of an emerald.

Table Comparison of Diamond vs Emerald