SG: 2.68-2.90 RI: 1.57-1.58 Hardness: 7.5 Crystal Habit: Hexagonal
Emerald
Throughout history emerald has been one of the most important gemstones and remains one of the most popular gems today due to its beauty and rarity. Dating back to 2,500BC, the Egyptian “Papyrus Prisse” texts tell us of emerald’s high esteem and the difficulty encountered in extracting them from the earth. The ancient Persian language gave us the modern name emerald, derived from the word meaning “green gem”.
Egypt was the original source of the emeralds of the old world. The famous Cleopatra Mines were lost for over a thousand years only to be rediscovered in 1818. Today, Egypt is full of excavations and tunnels but the poor quality and small production explains the practical reason why the mines were originally abandoned.
Emerald is a member of the Beryl family which includes Aquamarine, Morganite and an ultra rare ruby red variety. Beryl is composed of beryllium, oxygen, and silicon, with chromium as the element that is responsible for the wonderful green color found in emeralds. Beryl forms in the hexagonal crystal system which are six sided and elongated. This explains why most emeralds are cut in the rectangular “Emerald” cut. To retain maximum gem weight, emerald cutters follow the contour of the naturally rectangular crystal
Emeralds are typically found with natural internal fissures which are known as “gardens”. Long ago it was discovered that the simple application of oils would greatly reduce the visibility of these inclusions, thereby noticeably enhancing the emerald’s appearance. This practice has become traditional and is accepted throughout the precious gem trade. Emeralds are also known to be not quite as durable as diamond, ruby and sapphire. This fact combined with the common practice of oiling requires the owner to take a little extra care of their wonderful green gems.
Colombus would have to be credited with the renaissance of the emerald in the new world. Had he not discovered the Americas, the new and abundant source might never have come to the attention of Europe’s wealthy gem lovers. South American Indian tribes highly revered and sought out the green crystals many centuries before western man walked their shores.
Emeralds have been found in several other locations around the world including Brazil, Russia, USA, Zambia, Madagascar, Pakistan, Australia and India. Colombia however, namesake of Christopher Colombus, has been the primary source of fine quality emeralds for the new world for several centuries now.
Colombian mine source names like Muzo and Chivor have become trademarks in the international emerald business. Nowhere else on earth has produced such wonderful intense green with such exceptional clarity and size. Gem lovers around the world consider the emerald an essential part of any gem collection. If you are looking to add this magnificent green gem to your collection then Colombian emeralds are the best place to start your search.
