An emerald is a vibrant green gemstone belonging to the beryl mineral family, colored primarily by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. It’s one of the four traditional “precious” gemstones (alongside diamond, sapphire, and ruby) and is prized for its rich, intense green hue—often described as resembling fresh spring foliage.

Key characteristics of emeralds:

• Color: Ranges from bluish-green to yellowish-green, but the most valued are deep, vivid greens with even saturation.

• Clarity: Most emeralds contain natural inclusions or “jardin” (French for “garden”), which can look like tiny moss-like patterns. These are considered part of their character, though excessive inclusions can reduce transparency and durability.

• Hardness: 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale, making them relatively hard but more brittle than diamonds or sapphires due to internal fractures.

• Luster: Vitreous (glass-like).

• Sources: Major deposits are found in Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, and a few other countries.

Symbolically, emeralds have long been associated with renewal, fertility, wisdom, and love. Historically, they were favored by Cleopatra and worn by royalty as symbols of power and prosperity.