Emerald Meaning & Properties

Properties of Emerald

Emerald is the stone of alchemy because it's green color is caused by impurities of Chromium.  Emerald is a Beryl is a crystalline form of the beryllium aluminosilicate. A beryl crystal in its purest form is colorless and has the chemical formula Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈. However, if only 1% of the Al³⁺ ions in the mineral are alchemized with  Cr³⁺ ions, the mineral changes color to green and is then referred to as emerald (Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈:Cr³⁺).

Emerald teaches us to alchemize energy and improve ourselves.

Mineral Group

Cyclosilicate

Cleavage

One direction - imperfect

Chemical Composition 

Emerald: Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈:Cr³⁺ 

Fracture 

Conchoidal to uneven

Luster

Vitreous

Diaphaneity

Transparent to translucent

Color

Green, bluish green, yellowish green

Streak

Colorless

Mohs Hardness

7.5 - 8

Specific Gravity

2.7 - 2.8

Diagnostic Properties

It is easily identified by its hexagonal crystal form and color. It differs from apatite in that it is harder, and it differs from quartz in that it has a higher specific gravity and symmetry.

Crystal System

Hexagonal - with a stong prismatic habit. 

Uses

Gem quality Emerald is used for jewelry. Non-gem quilty emerald is a commercial source of beryllium. Before 1925, beryl was only used as a gemstone, but since then, many important uses for beryllium have been discovered, including use as a neutron reflector or moderator in nuclear reactors, ceramic applications, space vehicles, and structural materials for high-speed aircraft, missiles, spacecraft, and communication satellites.

Chakras

Heart Chakra

Zodiac

Taurus

Numerical Vibration

4

Metaphysical Uses 

“Purity and Strength”

Note: All crystals contain energy that can be used to amplify your own intentions and manifestations through meditation and daily wear.

Origin of Color

Emerald’s green color is derived from it absorbing Cr³⁺ion.

Occurrence 

It is most commonly found in granitic rocks or Be-rich pegmatites. It may also be found in mica schists and associated with  tin ores. The best emeralds in the world are discovered in Colombia in a black bituminous limestone, with the most prominent sites being Muzom Cosquez and Chivor. Other locations.