THE MATERIAL LIBRARY
Emerald
The green variety of beryl.
Colors & patterns
Green to bluish green, often with visible inclusions.
Typical origins
Colombia, Zambia and Brazil are important sources.
Hardness
7.5–8 on the Mohs scale.
Choosing & setting this material
Hardness does not prevent fracture. Emeralds commonly contain fissures and may be oil- or resin-filled; ask about treatment and use a protective setting.
Care & cleaning
Clean gently with lukewarm water, a little mild soap and a soft cloth, then dry. Avoid steam, ultrasonic cleaners, harsh chemicals and sudden temperature changes, especially when treatments are unknown.
Origins above describe typical sources of the material, not the origin of an illustrated or stocked stone. Hardness measures scratch resistance, not resistance to breaking. Confirm the identity and treatments of the actual piece.
Further reading: Material reference · GIA: gem treatments