types of emeralds
Types of Emeralds. By Amber Kelsey. The emerald gemstone is a variety of the beryl mineral. The beryl turns green due to chromium and vanadium impurities. There are several different types of emeralds, most of which are named for their country of origin. Columbian emeralds are mined in Columbia.
The Mineral emerald. Emerald is the green variety of Beryl, and its most precious and valuable variety. Its intense green color has given it status as an important gemstone throughout the centuries. The color of Emerald is green to emerald-green. The light green form of Beryl is not recognized as Emerald, but rather Green Beryl. The deep color of Emerald is caused by traces of the element chromium, but sometimes also vanadium.