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Emerald

A brilliant green to grass-green transparent variety of beryl, used as a gemstone.

Emerald, the green variety of beryl, of which aquamarine is the blue variety. Chemically, it is a beryllium-aluminum silicate whose color is due to small quantities of chromium compounds. The emerald was highly esteemed in antiquity; the stones were used for ornaments in early Egypt where some of the first emeralds were mined. The finest emeralds are found in South America in Colombia, where they have been mined for over 400 years. The gem was a favorite in pre-Columbian Mexico and Peru, where it was cut in intricate designs. The treasure taken back to Spain by early explorers included emeralds. Good emeralds are the most highly valued of gem stones. India, Zimbabwe, and Australia are minor sources of the natural stones. Synthetic emeralds are also manufactured in Germany, France, and the United States. The Oriental emerald, a different gem, is the transparent green variety of corundum.

Grass-green variety of beryl that is highly valued as a gemstone. Its physical properties are those of beryl. Its refractive and dispersive powers (i.e., its capacity to deflect light and to break white light into its component colours) are not high, so cut stones display little brilliancy or fire (flashes of colour). The colour that gives this gem its value is due to the presence of small amounts of chromium. The most important production of fine quality gem material is from Colombia; emeralds are also mined in Russia, Australia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Synthetic emeralds are identical to natural crystals and may rival them in colour and beauty.

Emerald has soothing touch and pleasant sight, which gives peaceful vibrations and captivates the heart. It retains its color and lustre in all kinds of lights and shades. Emerald gemstone is used to counter the ill effects of mercury.

Emerald is a delicate gemstone and is fragile. Emeralds are found in the mines of coal. Black spots and filaments are often seen in it due to high presence of carbon in it. Emerald gemstone is recognized by its black spot. In genuine emerald, cracks are often found, but it does not effect its utility.

If a real emerald is placed in a glass pot with water it radiates green light, whereas the imitation does not.
If a real emerald is placed on the eyes it gives a cool feeling, whereas an imitation becomes warm very quickly.
A drop of water on a real gemstone retains its shape and does not spread around like water. Even moving and inverting the gemstone does not harm the drop, whereas in an imitation it does not remain a drop but spreads like water.

Material Notes:

Emerald Green is a rich, strong green colorant intended for use in clarified polypropylene. Clean, haze free, non-warping color formulations can easily be achieved with the use of this colorant. No blooming or plateout problems will be seen with colorants. These materials can be incorporated into polyolefin resins at levels as low as 0.05% and can be increased to higher levels to achieve your desired effect.

Emerald is most often cut in a rectangular step-cut, which is now popularly known as the emerald cut. Smaller sizes are also found in rounds, ovals, pear shapes and marquise cuts. You may have to look a while for an unusual shape in a larger size. Due to their rich color, emeralds are also spectacular when cut in a smooth-domed cabochon cut.

Emerald gemstones have been used in jewelry for many hundred years. There was a time when almost every green gemstone was referred to as an emerald gem stone. People gradually became aware of the characteristics and nature of emeralds and were able to distinguish between various kinds of green gemstones. This gemstone is one of the more expensive types of gems and it is therefore important that, you fully understand the nature and features of emeralds before buying. There are certain precautions that need to be followed when making, wearing and cleaning emerald gemstone jewelry.

Gemologists can detect the presence of fillers when a stone is examined under a microscope. But it's nearly impossible to identify the agent without the aid of very expensive equipment that only a handful of labs in the world can afford. For this reason, most gem labs note that an emerald has been enhanced, but can't say with what medium.

Care & Cleaning:

Avoid cleaning emerald with hot soapy water or steam and never clean an emerald in an ultrasonic cleaner because the oil or resin could be removed or damaged, making fissures more visible. Emeralds are durable gemstones with a hardness of 7.5 to 8. However, emeralds with many inclusions should be treated with some care and be protected from blows.

Avoid sharp impacts on the stone and shapes with exposed points, like a marquise, should be protected. Clean with warm water, detergent, and a soft brush. Store separately from other jewelry and gemstones. Never put emerald in ultrasonic or steam cleaners.

Clean emerald with mild dish soap: use a toothbrush to scrub behind the stone where dust can collect.

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