Emerald

Emerald is a blue-green to green variety of beryl, a mineral species that includes aquamarine.

FACTS

The most valuable variety of beryl, emerald, was once respected by Spanish conquerors, Inca kings, magnates and pharaohs. Today, fine gems come from Africa, South America and Central Asia.

Jewelry experts differ in the degree of green, thanks to which one stone is emerald and the other cheaper green beryl. Most gemologists, gemology laboratories and sellers of colored stones call the stone green beryl when its color is “too light” to be classified as an emerald. However, even among this group, there are differing views on what is considered “too easy”.

Emerald is a green to blue-green variety of beryl, a mineral species that includes aquamarine as well as beryllium in other colors.

Jewelry experts differ in the degree of green, thanks to which one stone is emerald and the other cheaper green beryl. Some people in the store tend to name the emerald any chrome-colored green beryl. But for most gemologists, gemology laboratories, and colored stone dealers, it is more appropriate to call a stone green beryl when its color is “too light” to be classified as an emerald. However, even in this group, there are differences of opinion on what is considered “too easy”.

The GIA uses laboratory-evaluated comparison stones to determine if the green color is dark enough and saturated enough to be called emerald.