RocksdayElbaite vs Emerald
To tell Elbaite from Emerald: Emerald is hexagonal, with flat ends, and is slightly harder.
The lithium tourmaline behind most green, pink and multicolored gem tourmaline, including watermelon crystals.
Photo: Ivar Leidus, CC BY-SA 4.0
Green beryl colored by chromium or vanadium — one of the four classic precious gems.
Photo: Géry PARENT, CC0
Key differences
- Emerald is hexagonal, with flat ends, and is slightly harder.
Side by side
| Property | Elbaite | Emerald |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Mineral | Mineral |
| Mohs hardness | 7–7.5 | 7.5–8 |
| Luster | Vitreous | Vitreous |
| Streak | White | White |
| Colors | Green, Pink, Red, Blue, Yellow | Green |
| Crystal system | Trigonal | Hexagonal |
| Specific gravity | 3–3.1 | 2.67–2.78 |
| Formula | Na(Li₁.₅Al₁.₅)Al₆(BO₃)₃Si₆O₁₈(OH)₄ | Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈ (with Cr/V) |
| Found in | Minas Gerais, Brazil; San Diego County, California | Muzo and Chivor, Colombia; Kafubu, Zambia |
Properties that are the same for both are grayed out.
How to identify elbaite
- Long prisms, often green, pink or both, with lengthwise striations.
- Rounded-triangle cross-section.
- Hardness 7–7.5.
Crystal system: Trigonal
Full Elbaite guide →How to identify emerald
- Deep green six-sided prisms with flat ends.
- Almost always has internal fractures and inclusions.
- Hardness 7.5–8.
Crystal system: Hexagonal
Full Emerald guide →More comparisons
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between elbaite and emerald?
Elbaite is a mineral with a Mohs hardness of 7–7.5 and a vitreous luster, usually green, pink, red, blue or yellow. Emerald is a mineral with a Mohs hardness of 7.5–8 and a vitreous luster, usually green.
How can you tell elbaite from emerald?
Emerald is hexagonal, with flat ends, and is slightly harder.
Could you tell them apart from a blurry close-up?
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