Emerald is part of the ‘crown’ of gemstones, which also includes diamond, sapphire and ruby.
When asking what emerald is, it is important to remember that it belongs to the category of beryls, where the other 3 gemstones are found. The most vibrant green gemstone is a variety of green-blue-green beryl, a mineral that also includes aquamarine (light blue), morganite (pink), heliodor (yellow) as well as beryls in other colors. The green color of emerald is usually caused by chromium impurities and occasionally by vanadium impurities. Emerald is by far the most valuable variety of gemstone in the beryl family.
Its name comes from the ancient Greek word smaragdus, as well as from the French esmeralde, which means ‘green stone’.
Physical properties and where it is found
Color: a distinct green color, ranging from bluish green to slightly yellowish green. The category of natural emeralds also includes: red emerald, blue emerald, yellow emerald, pink emerald;
Clarity: almost every natural emerald has visible features, which may be inclusions, surface fractures or treated fractures;
Diaphaneity: transparent to translucent
Splitting: an imperfect direction of splitting
Durability: emerald is very hard, but almost all specimens have inclusions and surface fractures, which compromise their durability.
Mohs hardness: 7.5 – 8
Specific weight 2.7 – 2.8
Chemical composition: Be3Al2 (SiO3) 6
Emerald cut
The cut of a natural emerald is the main factor, after colour, that determines its value and beauty. Emerald is known to be a stone that can be shaped into a variety of shapes and carat sizes. Various factors are taken into consideration when cutting an emerald from a coarse deposit.
The most popular shapes are cushion, round, emerald and princess. The emerald cut is the most popular and bears the gemstone’s name. It has parallel facets that are precisely cut. This allows the color to shine through and also helps the emerald maintain its structural integrity.
Care
For regular care of emerald jewellery at home, use only warm water, detergent and a soft cleaning brush.
Cleaning emeralds should be done carefully. Mechanical cleaning is not recommended for emeralds. At worst, ultrasonic and steam methods can crack or even break emeralds. Also, steam and ultrasonic cleaning can remove oils and other fracture filling treatments.
The safest option for this delicate stone is regular care at the professional jeweler.
For setting it can be left for short periods of time in the Sun during the morning or before sunset.
Where to find it
The first emerald mines have been identified in Egypt, dating as far back as 330 BC (emeralds were adored by Cleopatra, who famously had her own emerald mines in Egypt).
Today, the rarest emeralds are found in Muzo, a mine nestled in the lush foothills of the Colombian Andes, but emerald deposits can also be found in the USA, Brazil, Argentina, Australia, Afghanistan, Canada, Italy, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Namibia and South Africa.
Metaphysical properties and meanings
Emerald is known as the stone of love and success.
- develops communication and social skills
- brings better mutual understanding
- good for meditation and concentration, supports mental health
- is a good shield against negative energies
- is considered a good luck charm for travellers
- inspires
- activates the body’s self-healing process
- restores physical, emotional and mental balance
- enhances sincerity, harmony and inner balance
- has a detoxifying role
Ancient Egyptians were certain that an emerald talisman could delay physical and mental ageing.
Emerald has been known since ancient times to have magical powers. Emerald stones would help people when they perform good deeds and help them understand divine signs.
Emerald jewellery has always been a defender of motherhood and strengthens the bond between spouses. Not for nothing, emeralds are the symbol for the 55th wedding anniversary: the Emerald Wedding.
Today, the colour emerald green is known to relieve stress and eye strain.
Legends
It is believed that emerald became Queen Cleopatra’s favorite stone and that wearing emeralds as ornaments was the secret to her youthful longevity and beauty. Although they were discovered in 4000 BC, Cleopatra visited the emerald mines and named them ‘Cleopatra’s Emerald Mines’. They have continued to be mined for centuries, perpetuating the belief that these stones are holy and have special powers.
The emeralds that existed in the area that is now Colombia were part of the spoils of Spanish explorers in the 16th century when they invaded the New World. The Incas had already been using emeralds in jewellery and religious ceremonies for 500 years at that time. The Spaniards, who valued gold and silver far more than precious stones, exchanged emeralds for precious metals. Their trade opened the eyes of European and Asian royalty to the majesty of emerald.
Soon, emerald was believed to be the gift of the gods, and not surprisingly, the stone was also known as the ‘stone of kings’.
One legend says that if emerald was placed under the tongue it endowed the wearer with the ability to foresee the future, as well as to reveal the truth and be protected against evil spells.
In the hard times of the world, emerald was believed to cure diseases such as cholera and malaria.
It was also said that wearing emerald revealed the truth or falsity of a lover’s vow.
Legend also says that emerald was one of the four precious stones given by God to King Solomon. These four stones were said to have endowed the king with power over all his creation.
Emerald and the Zodiac signs
Emerald is recommended for the zodiac signs Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius.
How to care for an emerald jewel?
Cleaning emeralds must be done carefully.
Mechanical cleaning is not recommended for emeralds. At worst, ultrasonic and steam methods can crack or even break emeralds. Also, steam and ultrasonic cleaning can remove oils and other fracture filling treatments.
For regular emerald jewelry care at home, use only warm water, detergent and a soft brush for cleaning.
The safest option for this delicate stone is regular care at the professional jeweler.