Emerald

Its green color is so unique, that it is known as a variety of its own, “emerald green”. Its name comes from the Greek word “smaragdos”. On emeralds: Emerald, with aquamarine and beryl, belongs to the beryl group. It is one of the most valuable and rare gemstones, adored since the ancient times. Its hardness on the Mohs scale is of 71/2-8, while it is clear only when of the highest quality. Often emeralds can be blurry because of enclosed element such as liquid elements, bubbles, cracks, other crystals. These are not necessarily considered as flaws if the stone is not big sized, but rather a mark of the stone’s authenticity compared to synthetic stones and other fakes. A specialist studying the gem will refer to the Jardin (French for garden) of the stone. The most sought after type of stone is the deep green shade, which even when carrying enclosed elements remains more valuable than a stone with a pale, yet clear color. The stunning green color is the result of chromium and vanadium. The most valuable emeralds come from Colombia, from an important mine located in Muzo, 100 km from Bogota. This mine produces gemstones of excellent quality and a deep green color. Good stones can also come from Africa, Afghanistan and Pakistan. The greatest producer is Brazil, yet the quality of these emeralds are rarely ideal. Clear and transparent quality gems are cut in shapes with facets, while unclear stones are suited only for cabochons (specific cut with no facets, with rounded surface, usually of round or oval shape). When buying emeralds, it is very important to trust only qualified jewelers, who will explain everything you need to know about the quality and will accompany the stone with a certificate of authenticity. When buying emeralds: When considering an emerald’s quality, the element of color is of the highest importance: the brighter the green, the better the stone. Yet even lighter colored stones are beautiful when tied on jewelry, while dark colored ones can be very impressive, due to their profound green shade rather than to their shine. Of course, factors such as clarity, cut and weight are equally important. Quality emeralds are usually clear of any enclosed elements, when observed with the naked eye, while only a few should be noticeable under a magnifying glass. The stones that are completely pure are very rare and valuable. Exceptional emeralds in sizes that surpass 2 carats are also extremely rare. Annoying cuts on the surface can be smoothed with the use of a special oil. Some information: The emeralds name derives from the Greek “smaragdos”, which means green stone. From a historical point of view, the emerald was supposed to protect its owner from evil spirits, and help with eye diseases. It is also connected with love since the ancient Romans had dedicated the stone to Venus. The emerald symbolizes hope, and has the color of spring. The French refer to the inner part of the gem as the “Jardin” (garden). It belongs to the beryl family and its composition is of aluminum beryllium silicate. Emeralds have been known since the dawn of time. It is said that Cleopatra used to wear many jewels with emeralds. Many large gemstones are famous. The British Museum of Natural History in London, the American Museum of Natural History in New York, the State Treasury of Russia, and the Persia Royal Treasure expose amazing examples of stones of some hundreds of carats. The Vienna Treasury hosts an ointment pot carved in one unique emerald crystal. The emerald is the stone of May, and is often offered as a gift for the 20th of 35th wedding anniversary. It is associated with the moon. {gallery}material_emerald{/gallery}