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.

Emerald Jewelry Powered by Bizrate - Hover over an item for more information

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

Summer Palace Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Emerald & Peridot
The scrolls and curves of this elegant ring by Jessica Bezhad are inspired by the ornate wrought-iron gates to a Summer palace in Europe.Only $328.00 at

Summer Palace Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Emerald & Peridot
$328.00
Gemvara

Emerald & Diamond Embrace Ring
Since ancient times, the rare and precious emerald has been favored by royalty for its verdant splendor, and prized highly in crown jewels and art objects. Now this exclusive emerald ring captures the legendary beauty of this sought-after stone and...Only $129.00 at

Emerald & Diamond Embrace Ring
$129.00
The Bradford Exchange Online

Two Hearts Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Emerald & Sapphire
Two hearts meet in one simply perfect ring style. Create this style in your birthstones to add extra meaning.Only $255.00 at

Two Hearts Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Emerald & Sapphire
$255.00
Gemvara

Anahit Band, Round Emerald Sterling Silver Ring with Sapphire
This band designed by Ruzanna Davtian inspired by an ancient goddess of fertility and birth is forged by hand and hammer set with five gemstones.Only $279.00 at

Anahit Band, Round Emerald Sterling Silver Ring with Sapphire
$279.00
Gemvara

Stargazer Earrings, 14K Yellow Gold Stud Earrings with Emerald
These elegant stud earrings by designer Ji Hwang have intricately sculpted petals that curve to catch the light.Only $533.00 at

Stargazer Earrings, 14K Yellow Gold Stud Earrings with Emerald
$533.00
Gemvara

Tri Gem Culvert Ring, Round Emerald Sterling Silver Ring with Peridot
Designer Randy Dixon takes a classic band concept and carves a unique niche for it in a recessed elongated octagon-shape ring top flush-set with three small round gems. Contemporary and stylish, the ring is sentimental, too, able to recognize special...Only $369.00 at

Tri Gem Culvert Ring, Round Emerald Sterling Silver Ring with Peridot
$369.00
Gemvara

Bijoux Initial "J" Key, Sterling Silver Initial Necklace with Emerald
Unlock your unique style with this fashionable "J" necklace by Bijoux & Bijoux that is keyed to your initial. Choose a birthstone or your favorite gem to make this stylish piece even more personal.Only $387.00 at

Bijoux Initial "J" Key, Sterling Silver Initial Necklace with Emerald
$387.00
Gemvara

Petite Petal Earrings, Sterling Silver Stud Earrings with Emerald
Sweet and petite, these tiny blooms for the ear by designer Tony Rodrigues have a brilliant bezel-set center gem.Only $150.00 at

Petite Petal Earrings, Sterling Silver Stud Earrings with Emerald
$150.00
Gemvara

Lover's Knot Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Rhodolite Garnet & Emerald
Two knots intertwine in an unending braid that symbolizes the love that ties you together. Two gems, two people, forever. Add your birthstones for extra significance.Only $257.00 at

Lover's Knot Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Rhodolite Garnet & Emerald
$257.00
Gemvara

Anahit Band, Round Sapphire Sterling Silver Ring with Emerald & Sapphire
This band designed by Ruzanna Davtian inspired by an ancient goddess of fertility and birth is forged by hand and hammer set with five gemstones.Only $277.00 at

Anahit Band, Round Sapphire Sterling Silver Ring with Emerald & Sapphire
$277.00
Gemvara

Ross-Simons .25ct t.w. Diamond, .75ct t.w. Emerald Pendant Necklace In Gold
Here's a lovely pendant necklace with .25 ct. t.w. of diamond rounds framing an emerald of .75 carats which is featured in the center! Includes box chain. Necklace is set in 14kt yellow gold. Emerald birthstones are the perfect gift for May birthdays.Only $521.25 at

Ross-Simons .25ct t.w. Diamond, .75ct t.w. Emerald Pendant Necklace In Gold
$521.25

Ross-Simons .15ct t.w. Emerald, .15ct t.w. Diamond Pendant Necklace. 18
This necklace has a vintage-inspired design, twinkling with .15 ct. t.w. emeralds in the center of .15 ct. t.w. diamond rounds which trail along the bale. Millegrain detailing adds charm and character. Necklace is set in polished 14kt white gold....Only $371.25 at

Ross-Simons .15ct t.w. Emerald, .15ct t.w. Diamond Pendant Necklace. 18
$371.25

Lover's Knot Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Emerald
Two knots intertwine in an unending braid that symbolizes the love that ties you together. Two gems, two people, forever. Add your birthstones for extra significance.Only $290.00 at

Lover's Knot Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Emerald
$290.00
Gemvara

Lover's Knot Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Citrine & Emerald
Two knots intertwine in an unending braid that symbolizes the love that ties you together. Two gems, two people, forever. Add your birthstones for extra significance.Only $255.00 at

Lover's Knot Ring, Sterling Silver Ring with Citrine & Emerald
$255.00
Gemvara

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