Microstructural, Raman, EPMA and X-ray Tomographic Study of the Odisha's Beryl (Emerald) Sample

Beryl (Be3Al2Si6O18) is a beryllium ring silicate that is composed of six-membered rings of [SiO4]4-tetrahedral and it crystallizes in the hexagonal crystal system with P6/mcc symmetry [1]. Of these, beryl variety a chromium-bearing variety of beryl, otherwise called as Emerald (Be3Al2Si6O18:Cr) contains vanadium, beryllium, iron, chromium. The refractive index, density and hardness of Emerald of different origin varies in between 1.56-1.60, 2.67-2.78 and 7.5-8.0 respectively. It is available in various colors such as yellowish-green, bluish-green, blue and red. Emerald, the green gem variety of beryl, is the third most valuable gemstone (after diamond and ruby) found in the world. Colombia and Brazil supply 60% and 10% of the world's emeralds respectively.