What does emerald mean?
An emerald is a precious gemstone — a green variety of the mineral beryl whose colour comes from trace amounts of chromium or vanadium. Prized since antiquity, it has been mined in Egypt, Colombia, Zambia, and elsewhere, and ranks alongside diamond, ruby, and sapphire among the most valuable jewels in the world. Beyond its literal meaning, 'emerald' also names the rich, vivid shade of green associated with the stone, appearing in phrases such as 'emerald green' and in figurative descriptions of landscapes, seas, and fabrics. The adjective use is common and evocative: writers describe 'emerald fields', 'emerald eyes', or 'emerald waves'. Because the word carries strong connotations of luxury, rarity, and lush natural beauty, it is frequently used in marketing, literature, and place names such as Ireland's 'Emerald Isle'. Whether referring to a jewel or a colour, 'emerald' reliably suggests something both beautiful and intensely green.
A green precious gemstone, a variety of beryl coloured by chromium or vanadium, used especially in fine jewellery.
"The museum displayed a collection of Mughal emeralds dating from the seventeenth century."
A bright, vivid shade of green resembling the colour of the emerald gemstone.
"She painted her front door an eye-catching emerald."
Of a brilliant green colour; made of or containing emeralds.
"The valley was carpeted in emerald grass after the rains."
Regular plural formation. When referring to multiple loose gemstones or pieces of jewellery set with the stone, 'emeralds' is standard; when describing several items of green colour, 'emeralds' can also be used figuratively but is less common.
"The necklace was strung with dozens of matched emeralds."
Cleopatra's famous emerald mines in Egypt were already ancient when she wore their gems — and emeralds were so prized that conquistadors carried them home as treasure worth more than gold.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of emerald
The word 'emerald' entered English in the Middle English period from Old French 'esmeralde', which derived from Latin 'smaragdus', itself borrowed from Greek 'smaragdos'. The Greek term ultimately came from a Semitic source, likely Hebrew 'bareqet' or a related word meaning a shining or polished stone. Cognates include the learned form 'smaragd', still used in mineralogy, and French 'émeraude', reflecting the same classical lineage.
Related word forms
How emerald is actually used
When used adjectivally before another noun ('emerald waters', 'emerald silk'), it functions attributively to mean bright green. The capitalized 'Emerald Isle' refers specifically to Ireland. In jewellery contexts 'emerald' without qualification implies a natural gemstone rather than a synthetic one.
Easily confused with emerald
Beryl is the mineral family to which emerald belongs; emerald is specifically the green, gem-quality variety of beryl coloured by chromium or vanadium.
Jade is a different green ornamental stone (nephrite or jadeite), generally less brilliant and valuable than emerald.