Home >> Hobbies >> Gemology

Which Elements Are Found in Aquamarines & Emeralds?

Emeralds are precious stones ranging in color from a light sea green to a deep forest green. The best quality emeralds are worth more than diamonds, and are mined deep in the Colombian mines of Muzo and Chivor. Aquamarines are pale gemstones that can range from powder blue to a darker sky blue colors; the finest are found in the mines of Brazil. Though these two stones are very different in appearance, they consist of many of the same elements and are both varieties of beryl.

Beryllium
- Pure beryl is white in colour.
  
  Beryllium is a strong, steel-gray metal. The atomic number for beryllium is 4, and it is abbreviated "Be" on the table of elements. Both emeralds and aquamarines are types of beryl, which is a beryllium compound; it used to be known as glucinium. Many precious stones contain forms of beryllium.
Oxygen
- Oxygen is also produced by trees.
  
  Oxygen is an odorless and colorless gas. Its chemical symbol is O, and it is number 8 on the periodic table. Liquid and and solid oxygen are pale blue, and all forms of oxygen are classified as nonmetal. All nonmetals are elements that conduct heat and electricity poorly.
Silicon
- Glass contains silicon.
  
  Silicon is crystalline and reflective with blue edges. It is abbreviated as Si on the table of elements, and its atomic number is 14. Silicon is classified as a metalloid, having properties of both metals and non metals. Silicon is used in bricks, glass and concrete.
Aluminum
- Planes are made of aluminum.
  
  Aluminum is silvery white. It has the symbol Al and its atomic number is 13. Aluminum is classified as one of the "other metals"be found in groups 13, 14 and 15 of the periodic table; these elements are solid, have a relatively high density and are opaque. Aluminum is used commercially the production of soda cans, airplanes and some statues.
Chromium
- If beryl contains chromium, it becomes emerald.
  
  Chromium is silvery metallic in color. It is represented by the symbol Cr, and has the atomic number 24. It is odorless, tasteless and malleable. When beryl has traces of chromium, it becomes an emerald. Chromium gives an emerald its deep green color.
Iron
- Aquamarines are blue due to trace amounts of iron.
  
  Iron is gray and metallic. It is widely used all over the world. It's chemical symbol is Fe, and has the atomic number 26. Iron is a transition metal, which means that it is ductile, malleable, and a good conductor of electricity and heat. Iron is used to create steel, a strong alloy commonly used in construction. Beryl that contains iron becomes blue in color, and is known as an aquamarine.

Gemology