 Color green to dark green  Hardness on Mohs’ scale  Mineral class Beryl Mineral  Chemical Composition Be 3 Al 2 SiO 6

 Found often in mica schist where there has been metamorphic/hydrothermal activity  Often forms when heated mineral bearing waters or gases from igneous sources cool and crystallize in fractures of carbonate rocks  Large emerald deposits in Columbia

 Hexagonal crystal matrix  Translucent to opaque  Leaves white streaks  Gravity

 Glassy luster  Cracks and fissures visible  Green color is due to chromium composition

 Emeralds belong to a class of minerals known as gemstones  Gemstones are considered precious and valuble  Gemstones are classified by their rarity, durability, color, and optical qualities

 Valued for intense green hue  Flecks and impurities are considered to prove the emerald as authentic  Valued by mankind since ancient Egyptians

 To enhance the appearance emeralds are treated with oils to fill in the cracks  Emeralds are priced according to their cut, color, clarity, and size