Emerald is a type of the mineral beryl Be3Al2(SiO3)6. This type of crystal is normally recognized by its green colorization which is formed from trace amounts of chromium and occasionally vanadium. In terms of hardness and resistance an emerald is usually quite strong. Because of the formation of the crystal emeralds generally have rocks and other pieces included in their formation which can make the growing room for the crystals quite small and limit gem crystal portions of the stone.

Emerald deposits can be found all over the world and there are plenty of fine spots to mine emeralds. Columbia is by far one of the largest miners and exporters of emeralds constituting at least 50% of the entire world’s emerald supply.