EMERALD
One of the oldest known gems in Ancient civilizations is still one of the most valued gems today. Emeralds have been mined in Egypt since 1500B.C. Today, they are one of only a few gemstones that can cost more than a comparable diamond. Emeralds have captured the human eye and imagination for over 5000 years. Technically speaking, Emeralds are a very rare form of the crystal called beryl. The normally clear crystal can be changed to a beautiful forest green if there is either chromium or vanadium present as the crystal forms. Here’s the dilemma for emerald. Those two same elements that give emerald its beautiful green also inhibit crystal growth. In other words, as these elements are creating an emerald, they are simultaneously stopping the crystal from forming. This natural struggle gives emerald some unique characteristic, most notably internal flaws. The more chromium or vanadium present in the crystal, the darker green the gem and the more included the gem becomes. Emeralds are formed in various shades of green. They can go from lighter greenish-yellow to very dark forest green, and sometimes can be more bluish-green in the same light to dark ranges. An emerald must still be a true leaf color green in its purest form to be called an emerald. If the stone gets lighter than a leaf green and starts leaning toward an apple green, it is then called a green beryl.
While almost every other gemstone has its value based on color, emerald’s value is determined by two equal factors: color and clarity. The finest stones are a beautiful saturated green of the natural world. (Look for a color like new spring green leaf with the sun shining on it.) Also, look for a stone that is clear of eye visible inclusions and has a reflective crystalline effect. Because of how emerald is formed inclusions are part of the stone’s make up. Emeralds almost always have either a milky quality or larger visible inclusions inside the crystal structure. While minimizing these inclusions is a goal, eliminating is nearly impossible. Inclusions are so much a part of the emerald that it is actually given a trade name—La Jardin, the garden, of the emerald is how these inclusions are described. The other factor is color. Emeralds that are lighter green with a secondary yellow undertone are usually cleaner inclusions, but not as valuable because of the shift from true emerald green. Conversely, darker green stones tend to get so included that the stone loses its transparency and life, often appearing sleepy. The highest priced gems walk this tightrope of color versus clarity and show as a vivid, reflective, crystalline color that is unmistakably emerald.
It is at this quality that emerald pricing surpasses the finest diamonds on a price per carat basis. Another large factor is size. Because the color elements actually stop crystal growth, they rarely get large. When they get beyond 3 carats, prices begin to grow exponentially as the quality remains high. Although emerald crystals have been found on every continent, there are really four main sources throughout history for this gem. The first is Egypt. These mines are the oldest in the world and are no longer minded today. The largest deposits, producing what many consider to be the world’s finest are in Colombia. The Ancient Muzo Indians of Colombia discovered and protected these deposits with their lives. The third emerald deposit sit is Brazil. These discoveries were made in the 1960s and are the second largest producer of gem grade emeralds after Colombia. The Brazilian stones seem to be a shade lighter than their Colombian cousins. Brazilian stones also seem to have a stronger, yellow secondary tone, while Colombian gems have less yellow and more of a blueish secondary making them the purer green of Colombian gems. The fourth place that has produced a consistent supply of emeralds is Zambia. These stones are different than the other three varieties of emerald in that these stones have the element Vanadium as their coloring agent. The first three sources are colored by chromium. This coloring element vanadium causes a stronger blue secondary color in the gems that can make beautiful stones. These stones, however, when on the lighter side, tend to show too much light blue and are less desired then a similarly lighter stone from Colombia or Brazil. Due to the long and dramatic history of Colombian stones, they tend to command a slight premium; however, fine stones from the other locations are equally rare and equally beautiful.
As stated earlier, emerald, by nature is a heavily included stone. Many times after a stone is polished inclusions can break the surface of the stone leaving small lines or pits in the polished facets. In response to this issue, emeralds are most often “oiled.” This process dates back hundreds of years and continues through today. After an emerald is cut and polished, they slightly heat and soak it in light oil, usually spearmint or mineral oil. The heating (120-150 degrees) makes the oil more vicious and allows it to fill in some of these tiny inclusions that are exposed by polishing. This is an accepted practice and it should be assumed all emeralds have been oiled.
HISTORY & FOLKLORE
Few stone’s histories can compare to that of emerald. It is one of the oldest known gemstones, but man’s fascination with it is rarely matched. The old expression “green with envy” is a direct response to the emerald’s story. One of the most known histories revolving around emeralds happened 5,000 years ago in Egypt. Cleopatra owes her fame and her reign to emeralds. Emeralds were first found in Egypt during her reign. She demanded all stones of superior size and quality be given to her. Cleopatra was literally dripping in enormous emeralds. In that period of history, most tribes or civilizations were led by men. A woman as sole royalty was a definite target for hostile takeover. It was said that when threats from enemies were eminent, Cleopatra would invite a representative or member of the challenging enemy to her temple. The visiting enemy was usually so impressed by her display of these incredible gems that they would advise against attempting a war with someone of such great wealth and power. Any enemy aware of her emeralds assumed that any leader who could acquire such wealth, as they had never seen before, was more powerful than any army they could muster. Yet, not only were emeralds responsible for protecting Egypt but they were also responsible for saving Spain.
During the 1500s Spain was in financial ruins due to war and was under the threat of losing her sovereignty to England. The Spanish fortune was just about to change. Spanish explorers had just discovered a new land across the ocean. South America was being claimed as a new territory of Spain. The king sent conquistadors out to try to bring back gold to save their failing country. As the conquistadors pushed inland, they discovered the lands and emerald mines of the Muzo Civilization. The men were captivated by these enormous green gems. Spain set to capture the mines for their own. The Muzo fought bravely for over 20 years until the last of their civilization perished. As the ships started returning to Spain, filled with emeralds, Spain became the wealthiest nation in the world for the next 100 years.
As a spiritual gemstone, emerald represents love in its purest form. Also, the green color is tied to spring and is said to bring new beginnings and new ideas. The ancient Egyptians believed it enabled their queen to predict the future. It is also believed to be able to ease childbirth and ensure eternal marriages. (Just tell her if she tries to leave you, you get the emerald back.)
WEARING & CARING
Emerald had a hardness of 7.5 out of 10 on the Moh’s hardness scale. This is considered a quite durable stone. Hardness is a measurement of resistance to scratching. Emerald scores well in the regard. The toughness of emerald is another thing to consider. Because most inclusions are an interruption in the crystal lattice, emerald is more susceptible to chipping and breaking. An emerald should never be hit hard, and everyday wear is not recommended for emerald. It can be worn frequently. With proper awareness and care, an emerald will last a lifetime. An emerald should be not placed in ultrasonic hot water cleaner as any oiling could be removed. It can be re-oiled by an expert if this occurs.