Difference between Emerald and Green Onyx

Green gemstones have been the love of gem enthusiasts for many decades. The color green exudes royalty and panache like no other color of a gemstone. People from all walks of life are fascinated with green gemstones. Emerald gemstone, being one of the most precious and valuable green gemstones, is in great demand worldwide. However, there is a competitor of this gemstone which is increasingly being used as a substitute of emerald. This stone is Green Onyx. 

Even though many people may get confused upon seeing these two different gemstones, there are some distinguishing factors that must be known in order to gain proper understanding about these two. Let’s take a look at these differences.

Recommended Read: Emerald VS Other Imitate Green Stones

Emerald Vs Green Onyx

When it comes to the beautiful emerald gemstone and green onyx, there are a number of dissimilarities between the two. Here are ten such key differences: 

1. Formation

A form of mineral beryl, Emerald is a renowned gemstone which is formed as a single crystal. 

Whereas, Green Onyx forms due to layering or banding of the crystalline mineral chalcedony and quartz which are arranged as microfine crystals often known as cryptocrystalline. 

2. Uses

There are numerous uses of the popular Emerald gemstone. It is particularly known as the stone of the heart as it represents compassion, sympathy, and universal love. This stone is widely used across the world to promote physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual balance.

On the other hand, the Green Onyx is associated with the Heart Chakra and is used mainly to increase creativity, improve communication, expressions, and feelings and also to develop the art of public speaking.

3. Appearance

When it comes to the appearance, the Emerald gemstone is much more transparent than onyx.

Green Onyx contains layers of opaque moganite that give it a unique, opaque and banded appearance. 

4. Type

Also called the world’s most popular green gem, the Emerald is a precious gemstone. 

Whereas, Green Onyx is a well-known variety of semi-precious gemstones that are found in this day and age.

5. Hardness

Emerald is much harder than Green Onyx with a hardness of 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale. 

Green Onyx has a hardness of 6.5-7 on the Mohs scale. 

6. Color variations

The beautiful Emerald can be green to greenish-blue in color. 

While the color of Green Onyx is rich and soothing green.

7. Trace Elements

Presence of trace elements like chromium or vanadium gives the Emerald its exquisite green color.

While, Green Onyx contains fine intergrowths of silica minerals, quartz, and moganite. 

8. Sources of Origin

There are various sources of origin of both these stones. Emeralds are obtained from countries like Brazil, Colombia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. 

Green Onyx is found in countries like Brazil, India, Madagascar Mexico, Peru, and the USA.

9. Refractive Index

When it comes to the refractive index of Emerald, it is 1.565-1.602.

Whereas, Green Onyx has a refractive index of 1.544-1.553.

10. Zodiac Sign

The power of a gemstone over a zodiac needs no mention. Emerald is associated with Zodiac sign Taurus.

Whereas, the Green Onyx gemstone is ideal for those who are born under the zodiac signs of Gemini and Virgo.

Now that you know a lot about the differences between Emerald and Green Onyx, it is easier for you to buy Panna online without any apprehensions. Just ensure that your chosen supplier of gemstones is known for offering natural and certified gemstones that are untreated. This information is surely going to provide you the peace of mind you deserve. So, share it with all and let the world know about the major differences between emerald and its chief substitute, green onyx.