Emerald is a green variety of the mineral beryl (Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈), colored by trace amounts of chromium and vanadium. It has a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8, but due to natural inclusions, it can be more fragile than other gemstones. High-quality emeralds are prized for their deep green color and transparency. Major sources include Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, Afghanistan, and Zimbabwe. Emeralds are typically cut into faceted stones for jewelry, with the emerald cut being a popular choice to enhance their clarity and reduce stress on the stone.