A number of gemstones occur in shades of green, but none comes close to the deep green emerald. Emeralds are very popular in jewellery fashion and closely follow after diamonds in terms of demand. This article contains all the basics that need to be known about emeralds, including their origin, significance, and characteristic features.
What is an Emerald?
The emerald is one of the four most sought after gemstones. Alongside sapphire, ruby and diamond, it is considered the most beautiful, rarest, and hardest of all gemstones.
The rich beautiful green colour is what makes emeralds desirable among coloured gemstones. Emeralds do not have a universal specific colour and may occur in colour hues ranging from yellowish green to lemon and then bluish-green. An emerald stone may also tend to exhibit both green and blue colour hues at one. This is due to the double refractive nature of emeralds.
Emeralds can be cut into various shapes, but the most fitting ones are the octagon, princess, oval, round, pear and baguette. The octagon shape is most known with emerald jewellery and the shape itself has come to be regarded in jewellery production as the ’emerald shape’.
Emeralds are produced from Beryllium silicate crystals and have the chemical formula Be3Al2(SiO3)6. The formation process of emerald crystals is very extensive and takes years to complete. Nowadays, emeralds can be created in laboratories, like the ones from BIRON® Gems, to have exact physical and chemical characteristics as natural ones.
As May’s birthstone, emerald is believed to trigger traits of peace and friendliness. Emeralds are also thought to be a symbol of loyalty and commitment. The deep green colour of emerald which is characteristic of plants makes it also strongly believed to be the gemstone of fertility and growth.
The History of Emerald
Emerald deposits are found in areas which were active volcanic site millions of years ago. Erosion and major shifts in the earth crust brought the precious stones near the surface from where they are mined.
The origin of emerald is often traced to Egyptians who first discovered the gemstone around 1500BC. According to history, the Egyptians found huge deposits of the unique gemstone and called the area ‘emerald mountain’. They began to use the gemstone to appease their gods for fertility and positive growth.
It is also believed that Queen Cleopatra of Egypt played a unique role in increasing the popularity of emerald gemstones. Cleopatra was reported to have been very obsessed with the green stone, so much that she amassed them and displayed them to dignitaries who visited her palace. In no time, emeralds became popular in the Asian continent and the ‘emerald mountain’ was soon mined to rubbles by Arabs and reportedly, Romans.
Emeralds are solidified crystals of beryllium silicate. The crystals are formed in hydrothermal veins and pegmatites deep within the earth crust. These are brought about by the channels of escape created by molten magma. If the magma contains elements such as beryllium and silicon, it may begin to form emerald crystals in the channels as it cools. Later on, these deposits are brought to the surface through major land shifts and geographic changes that occur over time.
Where are Emeralds Found?
Emeralds are mined in Colombia, Brazil, Zambia, India, Ethiopia, and America. Due to the varying conditions that led to the formation of the crystals in each location, the gemstone occurs in varying quality and colour tone.
Colombia is home to the finest emeralds ever discovered. They have the richest green colour caused by the presence of chromium deposits in the crystals. Emeralds mined from Brazil contain vanadium deposits, adding a characteristic dull grey or brown colour to them. On the other hand, emerald crystals mined from Zambia contain iron inclusions and therefore have colours that tend towards a blue hue.
There are three major mining zones for emeralds in Colombia. These are found in Chivor, Coscuez, and Muzo. Emeralds have been extensively mined from these regions and surveillance provide that the emerald deposits may not be exhausted in many years to come.
Laboratory production of emeralds reduces some recurring issues associated with natural mining and also protects the environment from the adverse effects of mining such as destruction of landscapes and air pollution.
Conclusion
Emeralds make stunning pieces of jewellery at all times. Durable and best worn as engagement rings, pendants, and bracelets, the precious stone will be the perfect gift, for your precious one.
