Emerald

Emerald is a very popular gemstone composed of beryllium aluminum silicate. ^[1]

Emerald: Quick Facts and Characteristics

Some quick facts for Emerald:

• Transparency: Emerald can be opaque, translucent or transparent.
• Crystallography: In terms of crystallography, emerald is hexagonal.
• Luster: In terms of luster, emerald is vitreous (glassy).
• Streak: Emerald streaks colorless.
• Hardness: Emerald's hardness ranges from 7.5 to 8 on the Moh's scale.
• Specific Gravity: Emerald's specific gravity ranges from 2.68 to 2.78.

Emerald: Background and Summary

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.

One way to identify emerald is by its color. Emeralds are typically a deep green color that is not found in other gemstones. The color should be evenly distributed throughout the stone, without any visible color zoning. Another way to identify emerald is by its hardness. Emerald has a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, which means it is relatively hard and can withstand wear and tear. However, emerald can be brittle and may be prone to cracking or chipping if subjected to hard blows or extreme temperature changes.

Emerald has been used as a gemstone for thousands of years. It was highly valued by ancient civilizations such as the Incas, Aztecs, and Egyptians. Today, emerald is still a popular gemstone that is used in jewelry such as rings, necklaces, and earrings. It is also used as a decorative stone for sculptures and other art objects.