Sister Gems: Green Beryls That Aren’t Colombian Emeralds
When we think of green gemstones, it’s almost impossible not to picture a Colombian emerald. However, the fascinating world of green beryls goes far beyond emeralds, encompassing a range of lesser-known yet equally charming gems: the so-called sister gems.
In this article, we invite you to discover what beryl is, why Colombian emeralds are unique in the world, and which other stones—though not emeralds—share the same mineral family.
What Is Beryl?
Beryl is a mineral that belongs to the cyclosilicate group. It’s a hard and translucent stone with high durability, making it an excellent material for fine jewelry. This mineral appears in a wide variety of colors depending on the trace elements present: blue (aquamarine), yellow (heliodor), pink (morganite), red (red beryl), colorless (goshenite), and, of course, green (emerald).
Among all types of beryl, Colombian emeralds are the most famous and valuable. Their intense green color, transparency, and unique geological origin place them at the top tier of green gemstones.
What Are Sister Gems?
Sister gems are those precious stones that belong to the same mineral group as others—in this case, emeralds are part of the beryl family.
They share the same crystal structure but differ in color, clarity, origin, and chemical composition. Though less well-known, these gems are beautiful and hold significant value in the jewelry market.
They are called “sisters” because, although they may not match the color or prestige of Colombian emeralds, they share similar physical characteristics.
Colombian Emeralds: The Best in the World
Colombia is home to the most beautiful and sought-after emeralds on the planet. The Muzo, Chivor, and Coscuez mines have produced emeralds of unparalleled quality for centuries, with a deep green color found nowhere else in the world. In addition to their color, Colombian emeralds are renowned for their clarity and purity.
Sister Gems of Colombian Emeralds
Below are some of the most well-known green beryl sister gems:
Green Beryl
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Color: Light green or yellowish-green
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Characteristic: Lacks sufficient chromium or vanadium to be classified as an emerald.
Golden Beryl (Heliodor)
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Color: Golden yellow, sometimes with greenish tones
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Characteristic: Not pure green, but may be mistaken in certain shades.
Greenish-Blue Beryl (Aquamarine with green tones)
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Color: Blue with green overtones
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Characteristic: Not an emerald, but some deep aquamarines may resemble them at first glance.
Treated Goshenite
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Color: Originally colorless, can be dyed green
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Characteristic: Not natural; used in imitations.
Synthetic Green Beryl (Lab-Created Emerald)
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Color: Varies depending on the lab
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Characteristic: Visually similar to natural emeralds but lacks the same value.
Hiddenite
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Color: Yellow-green
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Characteristic: Not a beryl, but sometimes marketed as a green alternative.
Key Differences Between Colombian Emeralds and Other Beryls
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Color: Colombian emeralds have a more intense and pure green due to the presence of chromium and vanadium.
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Transparency: Emeralds have natural inclusions called “jardins,” which don’t reduce their value. Other beryls are often cleaner but less vibrant in color.
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Geological Origin: Only Colombian emeralds come from unique hydrothermal deposits found nowhere else.
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Market Value: The price per carat of a Colombian emerald can be up to 10 times higher than that of a green beryl.
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Rarity: Fine emeralds are much rarer than any other beryl variety.
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Brilliance: Colombian emeralds have a deeper, more captivating brilliance.
Emerald By Love: Your Guide to the World’s Most Famous Beryl
If you're looking for the world’s most famous and coveted beryl, Emerald By Love takes you to the heart of Colombian emerald mining. Our jewelry house works exclusively with certified Colombian emeralds, handpicked by experts.
From classic pieces to custom designs, at Emerald By Love we celebrate the perfection of emeralds. Because there’s nothing like a Colombian emerald—and we know how to help you find yours.
Paula A. Bonilla
Social communicator and journalist from Sergio Arboleda University in Colombia. Passionate about continuously learning about precious gems and high-end national jewelry.
Currently works for one of Bogotá’s most renowned jewelers, Emerald by Love. This jewelry house has over 40 years of experience and operates two physical locations in the heart of Colombia’s capital city.
