Emerald in Schist

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A pair of 3.5 and 1.5cm vibrant green Emerald crystals emerge from a schist matrix. While the Colombian Emeralds are more famous now, the beryllium deposits of the Urals have also produced stunning saturated green crystals as well. Unlike the Colombian material, the pieces from this locality in the Urals are in a schist matrix. As a result, these crystals have a textured surface resulting from growing within the schist. The smaller crystal displays a typical prismatic termination. The taller crystal has a distorted termination with some mica matrix remaining on one side. Minor edge wear chatter around the termination and internal fractures within these remarkably gemmy crystals are pretty typical of this material. The backside of this specimen reveals a naturally “rehealed” break within the larger crystal! The piece sits up nicely on its own and the contrast between the gemmy Emerald and sparkling grey schist matrix.