Uncut emerald specimens are rare on the mineral markets, probably because even low grade emeralds can carry a high price when cut as gems. Aquamarine is also a popular gem although it does not command nearly as high a price as its green cousin. Uncut aquamarines are plentiful but relatively expensive, as would be expected of crystalline gemstone specimens. Large crystals of aquamarine are available on the open market and represent perhaps the largest raw gemstone specimens. Luster is vitreous.
Crystals are transparent to translucent.
The terminations are often modified by many different pyramidal faces which can sometimes produce a rounded termination in the rough shape of a used pencil eraser. Fracture is conchoidal. Hardness is 7.5 - 8. Streak is white. Faces on large crystals are often pitted, striated lengthwise and rough.