EMERALD, the green gemstone variety of beryl

EMERALD, the green variety of beryl

VARIETY INFORMATION:

VARIETY OF: Beryl , Be3 Al2 Si6 O18 .
USES: Gemstone.
BIRTHSTONE FOR: May
COLOR: various shades of green.
INDEX OF REFRACTION: 1.57 - 1.60
BIREFRINGENCE: 0.004 - 0.008
HARDNESS: 7.5 - 8
CLEAVAGE: one direction, poor.
CRYSTAL SYSTEM: hexagonal
Pleochroic: weak
For natural emerald mineral specimens see our For Sale or Sold lists
For Emerald Jewelry, see --> Emerald JEWELRY

Emerald is the green variety of the mineral beryl. Other gemstone color varieties that belong to beryl include aquamarine, morganite, heliodor, and goshenite. Other colors of beryl are simply referred to by their color, such as red beryl.

The wonderful green color of emerald is unparalleled in the gem kingdom. Emerald's precious green color is caused by small amounts of chromium and enhanced by traces of iron. Unlike other beryls, emeralds often contain inclusions and other flaws. These flaws are not looked on as negative aspects for emerald like they would be for other gemstones. Indeed, these flaws are considered part of the character of the stone and are used to assure the purchaser of a natural stone. However, fractures and inclusions are so common in emeralds that their toughness is affected - emeralds tend to break more easily than other beryls.

Nearly all emerald gemstones have been treated to improve their appearance. Historically, gems were "oiled" which filled the cracks and veils with a transparent oil, effectively hiding the flaw. Unfortunately, oils tend to evaporate over the years (and they may be removed with detergents) so that oil-treated emeralds tend to look worse over time. Luckily, the treatment may be repeated to good effect. In recent times, the cracks are filled with a permanent epoxy so evaporation of oil is not an issue.

In any case, you should expect an emerald to be treated. Note that oil (or polymer resin) treatments are considered acceptable in the gem trade, unless colored oils are used to change the color. For fine gemstones, treatments are required to be disclosed by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

Emerald is mined around the world, although certain localities provide the best gemstones. Columbia is especially notable, producing fine deep-green emeralds of excellent transparency. Brazil and Pakistan are other notable sources of fine emeralds.

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Emerald Jewelry - Hover over an item for more information

Lab-Created Emerald & White Sapphire Linear Earrings at JCPenney
Art Deco glamour comes alive in these truly stunning linear earrings. A beautiful pear-shaped emerald dangles below an elongated, sterling silver teardrop adorned with sparkling white sapphires. Metal: Sterling silver Metal Color: White Stones: 2 ctw....Only $100.00 at

Lab-Created Emerald & White Sapphire Linear Earrings at JCPenney
$100.00

Written in the Stars Ring Round Emerald Sterling Silver Ring with Blue Topaz
Two glittering gemstones and numerous star etchings rest atop the hollowed upper band of this gleaming ring, designed for the stargazers among us.Only $186.00 at

Written in the Stars Ring Round Emerald Sterling Silver Ring with Blue Topaz
$186.00
Gemvara

.32 TCW Round Genuine Emerald and Diamond Accent 10k Yellow Gold Band Ring, Size 10,5,7,8,9 by PalmBeach Jewelry, Size 10,5,7,8,9
Rated by 25,000+ Customers. .32 TCW Round Genuine Emerald and Diamond Accent 10k Yellow Gold Band RingOnly $103.99 at

.32 TCW Round Genuine Emerald and Diamond Accent 10k Yellow Gold Band Ring, Size 10,5,7,8,9 by PalmBeach Jewelry, Size 10,5,7,8,9
$103.99
PalmBeachJewelry

Petal Earrings 14K White Gold Earrings with Emerald
Sweet and petite, these tiny blooms for the ear have a brilliant bezel-set center gem.Only $287.00 at

Petal Earrings 14K White Gold Earrings with Emerald
$287.00
Gemvara

Ross-Simons Sterling Silver Alligator Wrap Bracelet With Emeralds. 7"
Our alligator wrap bracelet is fanciful, eye-catching and fun. Accented with emerald eyes, it will provide an instant update to any look. Sterling silver bracelet.Only $213.75 at

Ross-Simons Sterling Silver Alligator Wrap Bracelet With Emeralds. 7"
$213.75

Heart Key Pendant Sterling Silver Necklace with Emerald
This delicate small key pendant is adorned with a bezel-set gemstone.Only $189.00 at

Heart Key Pendant Sterling Silver Necklace with Emerald
$189.00
Gemvara

Silver Emerald Stud Earrings
Silver Emerald Stud Earrings. A 7 mm emerald stone inserted in a four prong silver setting.Metal:�Silver .925Size:�7 mm wideMetal Finish:�RhodiumStone/s:�Emerald�Shipping Information:This item usually arrives in 2-3 business days. Arrival date depends...Only $109.20 at

Silver Emerald Stud Earrings
$109.20
Silver Best Buy

Anytime Heart Charm Round Red Garnet Sterling Silver Necklace with Ruby & Emerald
This pretty little heart pendant is perfect for any and every occasion.Only $245.00 at

Anytime Heart Charm Round Red Garnet Sterling Silver Necklace with Ruby & Emerald
$245.00
Gemvara

Sapphire, Amethyst & Emerald Earrings at JCPenney
So much fun with all their sparkle and color, these vintage-look earrings are as at home with laid-back denim as they are with a beautiful dress. Amethyst, emerald and 2 colors of sapphire are set in sterling silver. Metal: Sterling silver Metal Color:...Only $225.00 at

Sapphire, Amethyst & Emerald Earrings at JCPenney
$225.00

Emerald Ring with Diamonds in 10K White Gold, Size 9
Emerald Ring with Diamonds in 10K White Gold, Size 9 #08CC5169EMW:V9. Sleek, modern elegance radiates from this stunning gemstone ring. A vibrant 4x3mm emerald glows in the flowing embrace of lustrous 10 karat white gold. Two crisp diamonds add fire...Only $149.00 at

Emerald Ring with Diamonds in 10K White Gold, Size 9
$149.00
MyJewelryBox.com

Ross-Simons Alligator Wrap Bracelet, Emeralds in 18kt Over Bracelet. 7"
Our alligator wrap bracelet is fanciful, eye-catching and fun. Accented with emerald eyes, it will provide an instant update to any look. 18kt yellow gold over sterling silver bracelet.Only $213.75 at

Ross-Simons Alligator Wrap Bracelet, Emeralds in 18kt Over Bracelet. 7"
$213.75

Lab-Created Emerald & White Sapphire Earrings at JCPenney
appraised at learn more about appraisals Dazzling lab-created emerald and white sapphire earrings make a beautiful statement. Metal: Sterling silver Metal Color: White Stone: 1.4 ctw. lab-created emerald, 7x5mm Other Stones: .62 ctw. lab-created white...Only $100.00 at

Lab-Created Emerald & White Sapphire Earrings at JCPenney
$100.00

Written in the Stars Ring Round Sapphire Sterling Silver Ring with Emerald
Two glittering gemstones and numerous star etchings rest atop the hollowed upper band of this gleaming ring, designed for the stargazers among us.Only $204.00 at

Written in the Stars Ring Round Sapphire Sterling Silver Ring with Emerald
$204.00
Gemvara

Written in the Stars Ring Round Ruby Sterling Silver Ring with Emerald
Two glittering gemstones and numerous star etchings rest atop the hollowed upper band of this gleaming ring, designed for the stargazers among us.Only $210.00 at

Written in the Stars Ring Round Ruby Sterling Silver Ring with Emerald
$210.00
Gemvara

Three Stone Created Emerald Ring with Diamonds 8/10 Carat (ctw) in 10K White Gold, Size 6.5
Three Stone Created Emerald Ring with Diamonds 8/10 Carat (ctw) in 10K White Gold, Size 6.5 #08CH80201CEMW:V6.5. Three oval emeralds, known as the birthstone for May, measure 0.80 carats (ctw) in this dazzling 10 karat white gold ring. Classic prong...Only $199.00 at

Three Stone Created Emerald Ring with Diamonds 8/10 Carat (ctw) in 10K White Gold, Size 6.5
$199.00
MyJewelryBox.com

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