Formula of Beryl: Be3Al2Si6O18
Molar Mass: 537
Density: 2.63-2.80g/cm3
Natural Abundance: Emeralds are not very abundant, that
is why they can be so valuable. Emeralds without impurities are
even more rare and valuable.
Where are Emeralds found? - Emeralds grew in metamorphic
rocks before humans came and are now found in small pockets in
pegmatite dikes and mica schist. Emeralds are often mined in
Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, Russia, Brazil,
Afghanistan, Madagascar, Nigeria, India, Rhodesia, Tanzania, Australia,
and the US (Connecticut, Maine, North Carolina).
How are they obtained?
- Emeralds are
mined using relatively old techniques, no new ones have been created
for 2,000 years. Gems are collected off the ground, sifted out
of rivers, dug out of tunnels, and removed from the soil with
various other mining methods.
Melting Point/Boiling Point: It is difficult/impossible
to find the melting point of emerald because when subjected to
sudden
temperature changes, emeralds tend to shatter. They also
break and chip easily because of their brittleness. Even though
they are brittle, emeralds are relatively hard gems of 7.5-8 mohs.
Other Interesting Information: Emeralds usually contain
flaws called inclusions. These tiny cracks, bubbles, or other
impurities make cutting emeralds require a lot of skill and finding
clear ones difficult. These flaws are called inclusions and can
be called jardins or "gardens" because of how the arrangement
of flaws can look like a green garden.
Reaction Tendancies:
Emeralds are insoluble
in acids (except hydrofluoric) and very brittle. They do not react
with most substances that you encounter in everyday life, do not
conduct electricity, and shatter when exposed to extreme heat
or temperature changes. Other than this, not much is known about
how emeralds react because they are valuable and not often experimented
on.