Emeralds are one of the most awesome and well-known gemstones that exist in the world. The oldest ever emerald mines were in Egypt a millennia ago, and they have been a gemstone of choice that personifies value and luxury ever since. However, many of you have also heard of green beryl. Some people consider the green beryl and green emeralds to be the same, but they are not. Let us review the differences and similarities between an emerald deep green gem and green beryl.
Green emeralds and green beryl are not the same? Both emeralds and green beryl fall under the beryl mineral family, but emeralds have a few noticeable differences that make them unique and more valuable than green beryl.
An Introduction to Emerald?
Emeralds are the green variety of beryl. Being a May birthstone, they have a fine, clear green color that is highly desirable. A green emerald gets its color from chromium and/or vanadium trace elements, that is strikingly different from lighter green beryl.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) states that the emerald is the “green” standard in the class of colored stones and has been for thousands of years. Its chemistry resembles beryl minerals, that means they have the basic chemical components of: Be3Al2Si6O18.
An Introduction to Green Beryl?
Green beryl has a characteristic light green color and is sometimes referred to as pale green beryl. While all emeralds are green beryl as they are part of the same beryl mineral species, not all green beryl are emeralds.
Green beryl is green owing to the presence of iron trace elements. However, light-green-colored green beryl do not contain the same trace elements as emeralds. Putting it simply you should not find any vanadium or chromium in green beryl, no matter that it looks green at first glance.
Emerald or Green beryl: Which Is More Valuable?
Natural emerald deep green has a higher value than natural green beryl. Emeralds can be priced several thousand dollars, and some of world-famous emeralds are priceless because of their historical and cultural value! On the other side the pale green beryl price is far less. You can easily buy a loose green beryl for under a hundred dollars.
The issue with green beryl is that they lack the vivid green hue of a pure emerald. Their colors are usually less saturated, duller, and not as attractive to the eye. However, emeralds are saturated, bright, and beautiful. The darker green of emeralds make them the most sought-after stones in the jewelry world.
Conclusion
If you have the special liking for green jewelry, real emerald jewelry is likely the right choice for you. The color standards are high, and the emerald value is much higher than the pale green beryl value. Light green beryl earrings may be priced lower than natural emerald earrings, but they will not usually look as appealing. To conclude, the natural emeralds are far more superior than green beryl in terms of beauty and value, so are the preferred choice of people all over the world.