Description
This beryl, variety emerald, crystal is from Shakiso in the Kenticha pegmatite field, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Several pegmatites exist in this region and a variety of minerals including beryl, variety emerald, can be found there. Beryl is a silicate that contains the elements Be, Al, Cr, Si and O. When in pure form it is colorless. However trace impurities such as chromium and vanadium can be present in the crystal lattice creating a variety of colors including the green gem variety named emerald. This is actually a pair of parallel crystal twins. They are double terminated and transparent and gem-like. They have lightly etched prism faces and a glass luster. They measure 9 x 8 x 6 mm.
