gems, beryl, emerald, China, Shaanxi, Zhen’an

Dai and colleagues investigate emerald-grade beryl from the Zhen’an tungsten–beryllium polymetallic deposit in Shaanxi Province using electron-probe microanalysis and micro-area X-ray diffraction. The study characterizes the chemical composition and crystal structure of the beryl and examines the relationship between compositional variations and its emerald-green coloration. Electron-probe analyses are used to determine major and minor elements and substitutions within the beryl structure, while micro-area X-ray diffraction provides structural information on selected portions of the material. The results are considered in relation to the mineralogical characteristics and formation of emerald-grade beryl within the Zhen’an polymetallic deposit, providing analytical data useful for understanding this Chinese emerald occurrence and its geological environment.