Emerald - Spring Gemstone

What is Emerald?

The "green fire" mesmerizing and highly valued in the royal courts is Emerald. It is quite rare to find emeralds of fine quality over one carat in size, for large emerald sometimes contain eye-visible-inclusions, known as "jardin" or the "garden". Colombian emeralds are known for their vivid green color, while Brazilian emeralds are known for their variety of color, ranging from light green to fine medium dark green. Emerald is said to be the Spring gemstone of the season.

Emerald Care & Treatments

Emeralds are made of the base mineral beryl, with minute traces of chromium and vanadium giving this gemstone the "green fire". Emerald is often treated with oil to fill fissures and fractures that are characteristic of emerald. Clarity and Transparency are the most important characteristics when evaluating the value of emeralds. When evaluating from the face up position, very fine quality emeralds should enable the viewer to see the back facet. The brightness of the gemstone, which is determined by the cutting and number of inclusions, is also an important evaluation factor. Intense medium green emeralds command the highest value. The purity of the green color is crucial to the value and beauty of the stone, with blue or yellow overtones diminishing its value.

Emerald Terms

"African Emerald" is really green fluorite from Soth-West Africa. "Cape Emerald" is really prehnite found in South Africa (not to be confused with true emerald from South Africa). "Evening Emerald" is really Peridot. "Indian Emerald" is really green-dyed quartz. "Medina Emerald" and "Spanish Emerald" are really green glass. "Mt. Saint Helens Emerald" is green glass that is man made by fusing volcanic ash. "Scientific Emerald" is really synthetic stone or paste. "Zerfass Emerald" is synthetic emerald. "Uralian Emerald" is really green garnet.

Emerald Mystical Properties

Emerald is the perfect emblem of an enduring love. The moguls of India, including Shah Jahan, the builder of Taj Mahal, loved emeralds so much they inscribed them with sacred text and wore them as talismans. According to legend, Emeralds strengthen the owner's memory, quicken the intelligence and assist in predicting the future. Though not meant to replace traditional medical treatment, Emerald is used for physical and emotional healing. Emerald is the strongest physical gemstone. Use it by placing it on the area of the body that needs healing or wear it around your neck. Emerald is the carrier of green ray. Green fluorite: Hormone Balance. This stone has been helpful with hormonal changes such as PMS and menopause.