Emeralds are best known for their distinct green color, which ranges from bluish-green to yellowish-green, with the most desirable shade being a rich, deep green. The color of an emerald is a critical factor in determining its value. Emeralds form in metamorphic rocks under high pressure and temperature.

Emeralds typically have more inclusions than other gemstones. These inclusions are sometimes seen as a hallmark of an authentic emerald, and they are accepted in the gem trade as long as they do not heavily detract from the stone’s beauty. High-quality emeralds with minimal inclusions are rarer and more valuable.