Green beryl belongs to the same mineral species as emerald, a gemstone that is more valuable and popular than green beryl. Despite being lighter in colour and less saturated, green beryl can still be a stunning and valuable gemstone in its own right.
Green beryl is often less expensive than emerald, making it a more affordable option for those who love the colour green in their gemstones.
The definition of what makes a stone an emerald versus a green beryl can vary among gem experts, with some considering the degree of green saturation as the defining factor. Green beryl typically occurs in larger sizes and with fewer inclusions than emerald, which can make it easier to cut and polish.
Green beryl has a hardness of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale, making it a durable gemstone suitable for use in jewellery. It is often faceted or cut into cabochons to showcase its beauty.
In addition to Brazil, green beryl can be found in other countries as well. It is often used as a substitute for emerald in jewellery and is believed to have metaphysical properties related to confidence and courage.