synthetic beryl, synthetic beryl, emerald, Biron/Pool, hydrothermal, gems

Examines the Australian hydrothermally grown synthetic emerald marketed as the “Pool Emerald.” The authors describe its gemological properties, chemical composition, absorption characteristics and diagnostic internal features, with emphasis on separation from natural emerald. Pool emeralds show features characteristic of hydrothermal growth, including distinctive growth structures and inclusions. Chemical analysis indicates relatively high chlorine and magnesium contents, while alkalis are low or absent—features later studies also found characteristic of this material. The paper provides practical criteria for recognizing Pool synthetic emeralds and documents an important Australian contribution to commercial hydrothermal emerald synthesis during the 1980s.