PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- GROUP Silicates - cyclosilicates
- COMPOSITION Be3Al2Si6O18
- COLOR Green
- CRYSTALLINE SYSTEM Hexagonal
- CRYSTALLINE HABIT Prismatic
- HARDNESS 7.5 - 8
- FRACTURE Unequal to conchoidal
- EXFOLIATION Imperfect
- GLOSS Vitreous
- STRIP White
- TRANSPARENCY From transparent to translucent
- SPECIFIC GRAVITY 2.6 - 3.0
- REFRACTIVE INDEX 1.57 - 1.60
MINERALOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The emerald is a variety of beryl green, the most valued variety of this group. Its name comes from the Greek “smaragdos”. The green color is due to trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. The emerald is usually found in pegmatites, in micaschists and in hydrothermal veins. For the faceted emerald stones, a type of rectangular cut called "emerald cut" was designed, in which the loss of material is minimized by carving the stone following the prismatic shape of the crystal.
Deposits: Brazil, Colombia, India, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Austria and Russia.
THERAPEUTIC PROPERTIES
The emerald is considered to represent the green color of healing and is associated with the heart chakra. It is a balancing and inspiring stone that favors union, friendship and love. It enhances the creative capacity and raises the vibration of the aura. The emerald promotes the most positive parts of the person. On a healing level, it is said to help in recovery after illnesses.
