Gemstones come in a dazzling array of colors, from fiery reds to ocean blues. But the rarest and most valuable gemstones tend to be green. Vibrant green hues stand out among other gems and have captivated people for centuries. But what are the names of these rare green gemstones? Here is an overview of some of the most prized green gemstones and their distinguishing traits.
Emerald
The emerald is undoubtedly the most famous green gemstone. Treasured for its vivid green color and rarity, the emerald has symbolized rebirth and life since ancient times. Emeralds belong to the beryl mineral family and owe their green color to trace amounts of chromium and/or vanadium. The finest emeralds hail from three main sources: Colombia, Zambia, and Brazil. Colombian emeralds tend to have the deepest, most saturated green, while Zambian emeralds often have a bluish-green tint. Brazilian emeralds are lighter in color. In addition to their color, emeralds are prized for their clarity and transparency. The most valuable specimens will be free of inclusions and have a deep, even color. While emerald prices vary depending on quality, large, fine emeralds can easily fetch six figures per carat at auction. The vibrant green color, historical significance, and prestige make emerald one of the top green gemstones in the world.
Jade
Jade refers to two closely related stones: jadeite and nephrite. Both are composed of dense, compact minerals and polish to a smooth, matte-like finish. Jadeite is rarer and found mainly in Myanmar, while nephrite is more abundant and mined in China, Russia, New Zealand, and other locations. Jade is perhaps best known for its use in Chinese art and sculpture but is also gaining popularity for jewelry. The finest jade exhibits a vivid green with slight variations in hue. Emerald green, apple green, and spinach green are all desirable shades of jade. But it also occurs in lavender, pink, brown, white, and black. Jade’s toughness makes it perfect for carving intricate designs. Its opaque quality gives it a dignified, subtle splendor unlike the dazzling brilliance of emerald. For these reasons, jade remains a revered gem material and symbol of purity in Chinese culture.
Tsavorite
Discovered in 1967 in Kenya, tsavorite is one of the newer green gemstones on the scene. It is a variety of garnet colored by vanadium and chromium. Tsavorite has a vitreous luster and commonly forms in emerald-shaped crystals. Its color ranges from yellowish green to bluish green to intense grass green. The most prized tsavorites will have a vivid, slightly bluish green reminiscent of fine emerald. However, tsavorite has more fire and brilliance than emerald due to its higher refractive index. Tsavorite also exceeds emerald in rarity. Tsavorite yields are very low worldwide, numbering just a few thousand carats per year. Production comes mainly from Kenya and Tanzania. Large, clean tsavorites over 5 carats are exceptionally rare. Hence, tsavorite commands high prices, sometimes rivaling emerald and demantoid garnet. Its stunning color, scarcity, and trendiness among jewelers make tsavorite a rising star among green gems.
Demantoid Garnet
Like tsavorite, demantoid belongs to the garnet family. Discovered in 1868 in Russia’s Ural Mountains, demantoid is a green variety of andradite garnet. Its distinctive green color comes from chromium. Demantoid has a refractive index higher than diamond, giving it exceptional fire and brilliance. When cut properly, it exhibits a “horsetail” inclusion pattern reminiscent of a horse’s tail. Horsetails are a unique identifying feature of demantoid. Fine demantoid will have vivid medium green to emerald green color with few inclusions. Starting in the mid-1990s, demantoid experienced a surge in popularity and remains one of the top colored gems. From 2003-2008, demantoid prices rose over 500% as supplies dwindled. Large clean stones over 2 carats are scarce and coveted by collectors. Along with its rarity and fire, demantoid’s historic pedigree adds to its prestige among gem connoisseurs.
Peridot
Peridot has served as an August birthstone for centuries and is among the few green gems affordable for jewelry. The ancient Romans called it “evening emerald” for its green hues visible by lamplight. Formed deep in the earth’s mantle and brought to surface by volcanoes, peridot crystals were historically mined on St. John’s Island in the Red Sea. Today, most production comes from the United States, China, Myanmar, and Pakistan. Peridot is a magnesium-rich variety of the mineral olivine. Its attractive green color comes from iron. Vivid yellowish-green is the most sought after peridot hue. Greener, olive-toned peridot is less desirable. Faceted peridot has a beautiful glow but lacks the brilliance of emerald and other transparent gems. While large peridots exist, most cut stones are under 10 carats. Clean specimens with consistent green color can be obtained at reasonable prices in sizes ideal for jewelry. For its lovely green shades and affordability, peridot remains a staple gem for jewelry.
Green Amethyst
Most amethyst is familiar purple, but some rare specimens exhibit an attractive green color. Green amethyst belongs to the quartz family. Its green hues result from radiation exposure and the presence of iron impurities. Most green amethyst comes from Brazil, but it’s also found in certain African deposits. Unlike classic amethyst, green amethyst is always light to medium green. However, it occurs in various shades from sea green to olive green to lime green. While the saturation of color is not as intense as fine emerald, green amethyst has a liveliness akin to peridot. Its hardness and clarity also allow for excellent polish and brilliance. But perhaps the most appealing aspect of green amethyst is its affordability. Fine green amethyst in sizes over 5 carats can be obtained for a fraction of what a comparable emerald would cost. For its pleasing color and modest price, green amethyst gives the illusion of an expensive emerald for much less.
Green Beryl
Green beryl represents a broad range of green gems in the beryl family. Varieties like emerald and aquamarine are considered separate gems, while all other green beryls fall under the generic term “green beryl.” What defines green beryl is its light greenish-yellow to greenish-blue color, caused by iron. Most specimens lack the deep uniform green of top gem beryls. Green beryl’s appearance can resemble low-grade emerald, seafoam aquamarine, or yellowish helidor. While generally affordable, some vivid blue-green beryls are highly valued. Green beryl sources include Brazil, Pakistan, Africa, and the U.S. With good clarity and medium to medium-dark tones, green beryl can make very attractive jewelry. Although not as renowned as emerald, green beryl offers comparably pleasing green shades at more reasonable prices.
Green Tourmaline
Tourmaline gems occur in every color of the rainbow, with green among the most desirable. Chrome-rich tourmaline forms the vivid emerald green dravite variety. Other green hues range from yellow-green to blue-green. Sources include Brazil, Afghanistan, Africa, and the U.S. Tourmaline’s color zoning and inclusions distinguish it from emerald. Fine green tourmaline exhibits rich color without visible flaws. But most cut stones are under 5 carats. Larger gems over 10 carats are scarce. The paler verdelite variety is more affordable for jewelry than dravite. Regardless of saturation, green tourmaline has excellent clarity and sparkle. Its hardness makes it very durable for rings and everyday wear. Achieving the deepest green tones comparable to emerald comes at a high cost. But lighter green tourmalines can offer similar elegance at a fraction of the price.
Green Diopside
A relatively new material in jewelry, green diopside belongs to the pyroxene mineral group. It displays attractive shades of green caused by chromium, iron, or vanadium. Most diopside forms in long blade-like crystals in Russia’s Ural Mountains. When cut, diopside has strong vitreous luster and good transparency. Green hues cover the range from yellow-green to blue-green to deep emerald green. Chrome diopside, also called Siberian emerald, exhibits the deepest color saturation. Opaque, high-chrome diopside is sometimes substituted for jade. While reasonably tough, diopside still requires some care to avoid chips and abrasions. Faceted green diopside is fairly affordable even in larger sizes. With rich color options and moderate cost, it gives an appealing green gem alternative to the big four: emerald, jade, tsavorite, and demantoid.
Green Spinel
Most spinel gems are red, but green spinel also occurs in beautiful shades. Trace elements like chromium and iron produce spinel’s green color. Fine specimens have a rich verdant color resembling emerald. But spinel frequently exhibits darker forest green hues. The misidentification of green spinel as emerald has occurred for centuries. Sources include Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania. Large gem-quality crystals are quite rare. Most cut stones weigh under 5 carats. Although affordable, fine green spinel is challenging to find compared to ruby spinel. With its high refractive index and subdued color tones, green spinel has a unique appeal for collectors seeking something a little different.
Green Zircon
Zircon is an underrated gem best known for its colorless, diamond-like form. But it also occurs in beautiful green shades. Green zircon’s color comes from radiation exposure and impurities like iron. Hues range from light yellow-green to deeper forest green. Most stones exhibit strong brilliance and vitreous luster. Green zircon mainly comes from Cambodia, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. Large clean specimens over 5 carats are uncommon. While still very affordable, the finest green zircon can reach up to $500 per carat. Compared to other green gems, zircon has exceptional fire but usually lacks the same intensity of color. However, its dazzling optics and reasonable price make green zircon a great emerald alternative.
Green Diamond
Natural green diamonds are exceptionally rare. Their color comes from radiation exposure within the earth that alters the diamond’s structure. The most famous green diamond is the Dresden Green. Weighing 40 carats, it originated from the Golconda mines in India. For centuries, the Dresden Green resided in the famous Court Jewel Collection in Dresden, Germany. Other natural green diamonds rarely surpass 1 carat. Any noticeable green color in a diamond larger than 5 carats would be truly exceptional. Given their scarcity, green diamonds fetch astronomical prices at auction when they appear. Synthetic diamonds colored by irradiation are much more affordable. But only natural green diamonds attain the prestige and value expected of such a rare diamond color.
Conclusion
While emerald reigns supreme as the world’s finest green gemstone, many other green gems exist. Some like demantoid and tsavorite rival emerald’s color yet sell for a fraction of its cost. Jade stands apart with its translucent glow, symbolic meaning, and carving potential. Green tourmaline and beryl offer affordable options for jewelry. And extremely rare green diamonds top the charts for value. Each green gemstone has its own beauty and appeal. Next time you admire the refreshing hues of an emerald, consider the diversity of green gems that Earth has produced.
| Gemstone | Color Range | Primary Sources | Average Price Per Carat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald | Bluish-green to saturated green | Colombia, Zambia, Brazil | $2,000-$20,000 |
| Jade | Emerald green, apple green, spinach green | Myanmar, China | $50-$3,000 |
| Tsavorite | Bluish-green | Kenya, Tanzania | $2,000-$5,000 |
| Demantoid | Medium to emerald green | Russia | $1,000-$2,000 |
| Peridot | Yellowish-green | U.S., China, Myanmar, Pakistan | $50-$500 |
| Green Amethyst | Sea green, olive green, lime green | Brazil, Africa | $50-$500 |
