What Colours Do Emeralds Come In? A Complete Guide to Emerald Shades

Emeralds have captivated people for centuries with their rich, vibrant colour. When most people think of emeralds, they picture a deep, glowing green — but did you know these gemstones actually come in a variety of shades? In this guide, we’ll answer the question: what colours do emeralds come in, why these colours vary, and how this affects the value of the stone.

Whether you’re shopping for an engagement ring, a special gift, or simply curious, understanding the colour variations of emeralds will help you make an informed choice.

What Is an Emerald?

Emeralds are a variety of the mineral beryl, known and loved for their signature green colour. What sets emeralds apart from other beryl gemstones, such as aquamarine or morganite, is their distinctive green or bluish-green hue.

Their unmistakable colour and natural inclusions make them one of the most sought-after gemstones in the world, frequently chosen for gemstone engagement rings and fine jewellery.

The Classic Colour: What Is Emerald Green?

When you hear the term emerald green, it refers to a rich, medium-to-dark green hue, often with a slight bluish tint. This is the colour most people associate with emeralds and is considered the most desirable. Emeralds with vivid, saturated green tones and minimal undertones of yellow or blue typically fetch the highest prices.

The intensity of this colour is largely determined by the presence of trace elements like chromium and vanadium, which occur naturally during the formation of the gemstone.

If you’re curious about how gemstones like emeralds develop their colours deep within the Earth, you can explore this helpful guide on how and where gemstones and diamonds are formed.

The Different Shades of Emeralds

Emeralds are most famous for their rich green hues, but they can actually vary quite a bit. Here’s a closer look at the range of colours you might come across:

Light Green Emeralds

These stones have a much softer, paler appearance. They contain lower concentrations of chromium and vanadium, leading to a less intense green. When the colour is too light, the stone may be classified simply as green beryl, which is less valuable.

Light green emeralds are often more affordable and can be a great option if you love the emerald look but are working with a smaller budget.

Medium Green Emeralds

Medium green emeralds strike a balance between affordability and desirability. They’re more saturated than light green stones but may have slightly less depth than top-tier emeralds.

Many people choose this colour range when shopping for gemstone rings or other jewellery because it offers good value while still delivering that signature emerald sparkle.

Deep Green Emeralds

The deepest, richest green emeralds are the most valuable and sought after. These stones often come from Colombia and Zambia, with Colombian emeralds particularly prized for their pure green tones.

Emeralds in this category have vivid saturation, medium to dark tones, and exceptional clarity. These are the stones you’ll often see featured in luxury jewellery collections and non-traditional engagement rings.

Bluish-Green Emeralds

Some emeralds lean slightly toward blue-green, particularly those from Zambia. This is caused by higher iron content in the crystal structure. While not as classically green, these stones are still highly valued and often preferred by those who like cooler-toned gems.

If you’ve ever wondered, what colours do emeralds come in, bluish-green is an important part of the answer.

What Causes Colour Variations in Emeralds?

Several factors determine the colour of an emerald:

• Trace Elements: Chromium and vanadium give emeralds their green colour, while iron can introduce blue undertones.
• Geographical Origin: Emeralds from Colombia, Zambia, and Brazil all exhibit slightly different colour characteristics.
• Clarity and Inclusions: Natural inclusions, known as jardin (French for “garden”), can influence how the colour is perceived.
• Cut: A well-cut emerald can enhance colour saturation and overall appearance.

Are Other-Coloured Beryls Emeralds?

It’s a common misconception that any beryl gemstone in a greenish shade is an emerald. In reality, beryl comes in several colours:

• Aquamarine: Blue beryl.
• Morganite: Pink beryl.
• Heliodor: Yellow beryl.
• Green Beryl: Light green stones without the saturation required to be classified as emeralds.

To be considered a true emerald, the stone must display a distinct, rich green or bluish-green hue. If you’re considering lab-grown options or alternatives, it’s worth reading this guide on lab-grown diamonds vs. gemstones to understand the differences.

How Does Colour Affect Emerald Value?

Colour is the most important factor when determining an emerald’s value. Gemologists assess three key aspects:

• Hue: The type of green.
• Tone: How light or dark the stone appears.
• Saturation: The strength and intensity of the colour.

Deep green emeralds with vivid saturation and minimal undertones of yellow or blue are the most valuable. Light green emeralds and those with visible inclusions or uneven colour are usually more affordable.

If you’re shopping for emerald jewellery, it’s helpful to understand that colour can impact price just as much, if not more, than carat weight or clarity.

How to Choose the Right Emerald Colour for You

Choosing an emerald is a personal decision. Here are a few tips to help:

• Consider your budget: Light to medium green emeralds are more accessible in price and still beautiful.
• Think about skin tone and style: Some people prefer the cool tones of bluish-green emeralds, while others love the classic deep green.
• Balance colour with clarity and cut: A slightly lighter emerald with excellent clarity and cut can be just as stunning as a darker one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the rarest emerald colour?

The rarest and most valuable emeralds are a vivid, deep green with a slight bluish tint and strong saturation. These are often referred to as “emerald green” and typically come from Colombia.

Can emeralds be blue or yellow?

Emeralds are defined by their green to bluish-green colour. If the stone is too blue, it may be classified as aquamarine; if too yellow, it’s considered green beryl or heliodor.

Why do some emeralds look cloudy or dull?

Most emeralds have natural inclusions, known as jardin, which can affect transparency and make them appear cloudy. This is normal and part of what gives each emerald its unique character.

What is the difference between green beryl and emerald?

The key difference is colour intensity. Green beryl is lighter and lacks the vivid saturation required for the gemstone to be classified as an emerald.

Does origin affect emerald colour?

Yes. Colombian emeralds are known for their pure, rich green colour. Zambian emeralds typically have a bluish-green hue, and Brazilian emeralds may appear lighter.