Image: <bdi><a href="https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q56247090" class="extiw" title="d:Q56247090"><span title="mineral collector and dealer">Robert M. Lavinsky</span></a></bdi> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
hexagonalrareSilicates
Emerald
Be3Al2(SiO3)6
Emerald is a green variety of beryl, typically forming prismatic hexagonal crystals. The image shows vibrant green emerald crystals embedded in a matrix, likely quartz.
Emerald Physical Properties
Mohs Hardness
7.5Crystal System
hexagonalLuster
vitreousStreak Color
whiteCleavage
imperfect basalFracture
conchoidalSpecific Gravity
2.72Colors
greenTransparency
transparentType Locality
Kagem Emerald Mine, Kafubu Emerald District, Ndola, Copperbelt Province, ZambiaMineral Group
SilicatesUses
jewelry, gemstone, collectorAssociated Minerals
quartz, mica, feldsparRarity
rareGeological Context
Emeralds form in specific geological environments, often in metamorphic rocks like schists or in hydrothermal veins associated with pegmatites, where beryllium-rich fluids interact with chromium or vanadium-bearing rocks.
