Emerald

 

• Mineral family: belongs to the beryl group (same family as aquamarine).

• Color: vivid green to bluish-green, caused by the presence of chromium and/or vanadium.

• Hardness (Mohs scale): 7.5 – 8 (durable, but often contains natural fractures).

• Transparency: translucent to transparent.

• Specific gravity: 2.67 – 2.78.

• Refractive index: 1.577 – 1.583.

Main deposits

• Colombia (Muzo, Chivor, Coscuez) – considered the finest emeralds for purity and color.

• Brazil (Minas Gerais, Bahia, Goiás).

• Zambia (bluer, highly transparent stones).

• Also found in Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and Russia.

Inclusions – “Emerald’s Garden”

Most emeralds contain natural inclusions, known as the garden, which help identify genuine stones.

Uses

• Highly prized in fine jewelry (rings, necklaces, earrings, crowns).

• A symbol of luxury, power, and mystery.

Meaning

• Associated with true love, wisdom, spiritual protection, and renewal of life.

• Famous as the favorite gemstone of Cleopatra.