Emerald (Beryl)
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)
Mineral NameEmerald (Beryl)
Chemical FormulaBe₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈
Mohs Hardness7.5
Crystal Systemhexagonal
Lustervitreous
Streak Colorwhite
Cleavageimperfect basal
Fractureconchoidal to uneven
Specific Gravity2.72
Colorsgreen, bluish-green
Transparencytransparent
Type LocalityMuzo Mine, Muzo, Vasquez-Yacopí Mining District, Boyacá Department, Colombia
Mineral GroupSilicates (Cyclosilicates)
Usesjewelry, collector, gemstone
Associated Mineralscalcite, pyrite, quartz, albite, micas
Rarityrare
Description
A vibrant green, transparent to translucent hexagonal crystal with characteristic striations along its prism faces. The crystal shows a natural termination at one end and a rough fracture at the base.
Geological Context
Emeralds from Muzo, Colombia, are unique, forming in black shales and limestones through low-temperature hydrothermal processes, rather than the typical pegmatitic or metamorphic environments. Chromium-rich fluids interact with beryllium-bearing rocks to crystallize emerald.
