Emerald Glass or Man-made Green Glass
Silicon Dioxide (Amorphous) with various metal oxide colorants · Decorative Stone / Man-made Material
Crystal System
Amorphous (Non-crystalline); habit in image is a carved/molded pyramid.
Mineral Group
Silicates (Synthetic Glass)
Chemical Formula
SiO2 + (Na2O, CaO, Al2O3) + colorants (Cr2O3 or CuO)
Formation Process
Synthetic; formed by melting silica sand with fluxing agents (soda, lime) and cooling rapidly to prevent crystallization.
About This Crystal
A deep emerald-green transparent specimen carved into a square-based pyramid. It exhibits high transparency and a vitreous (glassy) luster with visible air bubbles and internal reflections typical of cast glass.
Physical Characteristics
Color: Deep forest green; Streak: White; Cleavage: None; Fracture: Conchoidal; Specific Gravity: 2.4 - 2.8; Fluorescence: Usually inert but may glow dull red or orange if chromium is present.
Optical Properties
Refractive Index: 1.47-1.70 (Singly refractive); Birefringence: None; Pleochroism: None; Luster: Vitreous; Optical phenomena: Internal reflections.
Hardness & Durability
Origin Region
Globally produced; industrially manufactured in factories.
Hardness & Durability
Mohs Hardness: 5 to 6.5; Toughness: Brittle; Stability: Sensitive to thermal shock and high impacts; Wearability: Fragile for jewelry, better suited for decorative use.
Care & Maintenance
Clean with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid ultrasonic cleaners or steam, as thermal shock can cause shattering. Store away from harder minerals like quartz or sapphire to prevent scratching.
Rarity & Value
Common; Very low value. Primarily sold as mass-produced decorative items, paperweights, or 'healing' crystals at low price points ($5-$20).
Special Characteristics
As a man-made glass, it often contains 'gas bubbles' (round inclusions) and 'swirl marks' (striae) not found in natural emeralds.
Lore & History
While glass has been used for beads and talismans since Ancient Egypt (3500 BC), this specific pyramid form is a modern decorative object. In modern lore, green glass is often associated with the heart chakra and prosperity, though it lacks the mineralogical properties of natural emerald.