The Use of Emeralds
The use of emeralds dates back to the prehistoric era, with the first stones being traced back to some areas in Africa. During the time of the Egyptian pharaohs, emerald mines were referred to as "Cleopatra's mines" and were widely traded as far back as 1500 BC. This gemstone has always been highly esteemed by cultures worldwide, including among Colombian, Iranian and Turkish people. Today these gemstones are so precious that they are considered more valuable than diamonds. They are used in mostly in jewelry.
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Features
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Emeralds are from the beryl family and are relatively hard, measuring 7½ to 8 on the Mohs scale. The mineral beryl is naturally white in color, and emerald's green color comes from chromium and vanadium deposits. The gemstone ranges from light green to deep bluish green. The lighter the color, the less precious the gem is. When used as a gemstone, emeralds are cut in many shapes and sizes, but the square to rectangular emerald cut is the most prominent shape. The reason why emeralds are cut this way is because they can break or chip when banged against surfaces, and during the lapidary process, this shape maintains the gem best.
History
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The depth of the green color in this gemstone has captivated cultures since antiquity, and examples can be seen today, as relics of this jewel's glorious history are exhibited in museums and national monuments. For example, the American Musem of Natural History is home to the 632 carat Patricia emerald. According to the museum, it was discovered in 1920 in the Chivor Mine in the Colombian Andes. "In Istanbul's Topkapi Palace there are exhibits with items of jewelery, writing-implements and daggers, each lavishly adorned with emeralds and other gems," says Gemstone.org.
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Geography
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Evidence of emeralds has been traced back to more than 3 billion years ago in Zimbabwe. However, emeralds were first mined in Egypt around 4000 years ago, where they were traded to people all over the world. When the Spaniards first discovered Colombia around 500 years ago, they found natives wearing these precious stones and actively sought the source of these internationally traded gems. The Spaniards discovered the Muzo mine, where the quality of the emerald found there was of a deeper color than that sold by the Egyptians. To date, Colombia is still reputed as having the most precious emeralds. This precious gemstone is also found in Brazil, Pakistan, Zambia, Madagascar, Russia and Afghanistan.
Identification
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Other gemstones are valued higher when the carat is large (large in size) as well as when the stone itself is clear without blemishes. However, emeralds are sometimes valued higher when they have a web-like inclusion, which can be an indicator to the authenticity of the emerald.
Gemstone.com says about how the stone is identified: "Affectionately, and rather poetically, the specialists call the numerous crystal inclusions, cracks or fissures which are typical of this gemstone 'jardin.' They regard the tender little green plants in the emerald garden as features of the identity of a gem which has grown naturally."
Considerations
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Finding a high-quality emerald is not only expensive but also rare, and because of this, the gemstone is widely imitated. Many glass and crystal imitations exist, and some other semi-precious stones may be polished and coated to give an allusion to the real thing. Some common names, according to the website Minerals.net, include Broghton emerald, Endura emerald, Ferrer's emerald and Spanish emerald. Natural stones also may seem similar to emeralds and some are sold off as such. These include green sapphire, garnet, zircon and green tourmaline.
Size
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The largest emerald found, according to Gemstone.org, was called the Mogul emerald, which weighed 217.8 carats and was found in1695. "One side of it is inscribed with prayer texts, and engraved on the other there are magnificent floral ornaments. This legendary emerald was auctioned by Christie's of London to an unidentified buyer for $2.2m on September 28th 2001," says Gemstone.org.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Thisisbossi, http://www.flickr.com/photos/thisisbossi/
