Valued since ancient times, a fine emerald can be more expensive than a quality diamond of the same carat weight.
Emeralds are green members of the well-liked beryl family of minerals. The green color occurs when pure, clear beryl contains either chromium or vanadium.
Beryl occurs in several other colours, with shades conditional on the impurities that Mother Nature has mixed into its otherwise clear formula. Blue beryl is regarded as aquamarine. Yellows are usually simply called yellow beryl and golden beryl. The term bixbite refers to red beryl, a variation that is even more rare than emeralds.
About Emeralds
* Emerald hardness ranges from 7.5 to eight on the Mohs scale. Compare turquoise at 5 to six and diamonds, the toughest substance, at 10. Quality emeralds are also found in India, South Africa, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Russia, and Zimbabwe. Recent reveals in North Carolina may provide us with quality emeralds if the mine continues to provide stones.
Emerald History and Folklore
* Emeralds are historically thought to enhance the clairvoyance of their wearers.
* Egyptian emeralds were introduced to the world about four thousand years ago, but the stones from those mines are a duller green and are not considered top quality by today's standards.
* Mummies were often buried with emeralds and the gems were favored in ancient Rome, but some think that many of the stones called emeralds in ancient times were really peridot.
* Historically , emeralds are worn to promote healing and augment love and contentment.
Common Emerald Treatments
Most emeralds are treated to enhance their appearance. Some of the stones have inclusions that make them look natural. True synthetic gems have the same chemical characteristics as their natural counterparts, but a credible jeweler will divulge a gem is lab-grown. Always ask if gemstones are made or natural, and if you are purchasing a pricey gemstone have it checked by a testing lab.
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