Gem-name guide / Gem variety

Emerald

Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈

Emerald is a green variety of beryl. Its mineral identity is shared with aquamarine, but its colour and typical inclusions create a different gemological character. Gem variety names are kept separate from IMA species names in this archive.

Material or mineral family: Beryl
Name classification: Gem variety
Mohs hardness: 7.5–8
Typical colour: Green to bluish green

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Names describe materials, not the authenticity, treatment, provenance or quality of a particular specimen. Physical properties vary for mixed materials; values absent from this guide have not been estimated.

Reference snapshot: September 2026. Source dates and uncertainties are retained in the record.