Emerald vs. Green Tourmaline: Which One Should You Choose?

When you think of colored gemstones, three likely come to mind first: ruby, sapphire, and emerald. These are the most popular and commonly used red, blue, and green gemstones in jewelry. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have other options.

You might not realize there are many other stunning options for each of these colors, but today we’re in the mood for green—so let’s focus on green gemstones. One standout that can truly rival emeralds is green tourmaline.

Once you learn more about green tourmaline, you might find yourself torn between it and emerald for your next colored gemstone piece—and we wouldn’t blame you, as both are stunning options. While they can have similarities in color, they do differ in a few key ways that can help you decide which one suits your style, budget, and lifestyle better.

Let’s take a look at both stones and see what you should consider before making a final decision. 

What Are They?

Emerald is a member of the beryl family of minerals and gets its green color from the presence of chromium and vanadium. Emeralds were popular in ancient Egypt because of the bright green color and the mystical qualities they were believed to have. They were mined as far back as the 1500s and were loved by Cleopatra, who claimed ownership of all emerald mines in her vicinity. The Incas and Aztecs also incorporated emeralds in their religious ceremonies. The Spanish conquistadors were shocked at the sheer amount of emeralds worn by the natives when they arrived in the Americas. They took them back to Europe, where they became adored by the wealthy. They continue to be one of the most sought-after colored gemstones to this day. 

Green Tourmaline–also known as verdelite–is a member of the tourmaline family of minerals, which are comprised of boron silicate. Tourmaline is available in a large variety of colors, but green remains the most popular for colored gemstone jewelry. While emeralds have a fairly consistent color, green tourmaline is available in a wider range of green hues. First known to be utilized in ancient Africa and Asia, it wasn’t truly until the 18th century that green tourmaline was accepted as a mineral in Europe. Green tourmaline was first discovered in Sri Lanka during that era, and later in the century, additional deposits were found in Brazil and the United States—discoveries that helped boost the stone’s popularity.

Color: The Most Obvious Visual Difference

When comparing emerald to green tourmaline, color is the most obvious visual difference between the two. Emeralds are known for their rich green hue, but can vary slightly depending upon where they were mined. While green tourmalines can exhibit a similar hue to emeralds, they have more versatility because they are available in a wider variety of green hues such as mint green or olive green. If your heart is set on the rich, deep green hue characteristic of emeralds, your choice is straightforward. But if you’re open to exploring a wider range of green shades, green tourmaline is well worth considering.

Clarity: Inclusions or No Inclusions?

Emeralds are also famous for their visible inclusions, which add unique character to each stone. These inclusions not only enhance the gem’s character (and popularity) but also serve as a clear sign that the emerald is natural rather than synthetic. Green tourmaline generally has fewer inclusions than emeralds. While it can occasionally contain some, these inclusions are usually less noticeable and aren’t considered to add character to the stone in the same way as emerald inclusions do.

Durability

On the Mohs hardness scale, emerald is a 7.5 to 8, while tourmaline is a 7 to 7.5. They are both similar in hardness, but there’s a little bit more to consider here.

While emeralds are a little harder, they can be more prone to breakage because of their inclusions. This is a big reason why emeralds are often set in a metal bezel, which protects them from breaking. Because of this, some jewelers may be a bit cautious about designing a custom piece of jewelry with emeralds. An experienced jeweler, however, will know how to handle the stone properly and can offer suggestions for how to keep the stone safe in any jewelry setting.

Emeralds are often treated in one way or another, usually with oil to improve the clarity. It’s important to know if your emerald has been treated so you can care for it properly–for example avoiding ultrasonic cleaners. 

Although green tourmaline is slightly softer than emerald, it’s often better suited for daily wear thanks to its fewer inclusions, which make it less prone to damage. Green tourmaline is not typically a treated gemstone, so less needs to be considered when it comes to cleaning practices. It is also easier to work with, so it is a favorite of many jewelry designers (including Mark Schneider). If you are looking for a custom design, green tourmaline is a great option. 

Price: What’s Your Budget?

Emeralds are some of the most expensive colored gemstones. If budget is an issue, you may not want to start with emeralds. Green tourmalines can be significantly more affordable, depending upon their color and size. 

Symbolism 

If symbolism and spirituality are an important part of your life, you may want to consider the symbolism of both gemstones prior to deciding between them. 

Emeralds have always been seen as symbols for rebirth, renewal, and eternal youth. Their deep green color brings about feelings of spring, which is a time for things to come back to life and prosper. In ancient Egypt, emeralds were used for protection and immortality, while in Rome they were symbols of romance and love. Over time, they have also been seen as symbols of truth and wisdom.

Emeralds are also linked to the heart chakra, which opens people up to compassion and love. Because of all the symbolism behind emeralds, they are often used for special occasion jewelry.

Green tourmaline has been known to symbolize growth and care. It is also connected to the natural world because of its green color. It's a symbol of balance and purpose. Like emerald, green tourmaline is associated with the heart chakra, but it’s believed to have an energizing effect, whereas emerald is thought to promote calm and tranquility. Green tourmaline can have a positive effect on creativity and is prized by artists looking for a boost in their passion. 

Which One Should You Choose?

Ultimately, choosing between emerald and green tourmaline comes down to your personal preference, as is the case with most decisions.

If you’re drawn to a deep green, like the look of natural inclusions, and are not planning to wear your jewelry daily, emerald might be your perfect match.

If you prefer a less included stone with a wider range of green hues and plan to wear your jewelry more often, green tourmaline could be the better fit.

If budget plays a role in your decision, tourmaline often provides more value for the price. But no matter which gemstone you choose, you’ll end up with a stunning green stone to cherish—so there’s truly no wrong choice.