Emerald Gemstone: Value, History, Meanings and More

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When you hear the word “gemstone,” what’s one of the first jewels that pops into your mind? If the answer was emerald, we wouldn’t be surprised! Emerald stones are some of the world’s most famous jewels of all time. These glittering green gems make gorgeous jewelry pieces and have been worn by everyone from Cleopatra to Angelina Jolie.

Meanwhile, people from all walks of life turn to emeralds for their spiritual and healing powers. Whether you’re seeking to manifest your dream life or alleviate ailments, emeralds can help you accomplish both. But how? And what other fantastic qualities do emeralds possess?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the elegant emerald’s spectacular specifications and properties. A jewel this extraordinary is worth every bit of its legacy!

What is an Emerald Stone?

Emerald is a type of mineral called beryl, inarguably the most well-known of its kind. Other beryl gems include aquamarine, goshenite, morganite, heliodor, and red beryl.

Emerald is also a proud member of the cardinal gems, an elite class of traditionally precious stones. Other cardinal gems include diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and amethysts. It’s no surprise that emeralds belong to such a prestigious group of jewels!

Emerald stones make for dazzling rings, brooches, and pendants. For those approaching their 20th, 35th, or 55th anniversaries, consider celebrating your love with the “love gemstone” itself.

If your birthday falls in May, you’re in luck – you can proudly say that the emerald stone is your May birthstone! Emeralds also hail under the Zodiac sign Cancer. With their sensitivity and intuition, Cancers are an excellent match for emerald’s gentle and kind aura.

Emerald Stone Specifications and Characteristics

As a beryl mineral, emerald is a chemical compound called beryllium aluminum silicate. This glowing green gem scores a respectable 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. If tough and dependable are what you want from your gemstones, emerald is your jewel!

Color: green, yellow-green, bluish-green
Crystal structure: hexagonal
Luster: vitreous
Transparency: transparent to opaque
Refractive index: 1.569-1.602
Density: 2.76
Cleavage: indistinct

So, what makes emeralds such a popular pick for jewelry? What colors and shapes are ideal? It’s time to explore emerald’s unique gemstone properties to demonstrate why this jewel is so regal and popular.

Emerald Gemstone Properties

Shopping for high-quality emerald stones can be pretty stressful. Luckily, we’ve outlined a few gemstone factors that’ll help you find the perfect emerald ring or pendant. These factors are the four Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.

Cut

When shopping for gemstones, the jewels you see have likely been chiseled from raw crystal form.

Emeralds, in particular, are often fashioned into uniformly faceted shapes to preserve color, brilliance, and gemstone material. The most famous example is the aptly-named emerald cut, which lets emeralds shine in all their glory.

Aside from the emerald cut, other common emerald stone shapes include oval, rectangular, cushion, and cabochon. Of course, emeralds are sure to enchant anyone with their radiant beauty, no matter their shape.

Color

Emeralds owe their lush green colors to traces of chromium, vanadium, or a combination of both. Their primary hues are green, although many emerald gemstones carry hints of yellow and blue as well.

The finest quality emeralds have deep saturation and vivid colors. In fact, emeralds must be medium to dark-toned to make the cut as an official “emerald.” Otherwise, they’re categorized as regular green beryls.

The most desirable emerald gemstones are bluish-green with medium-dark tones and heavy saturation. If you’re unsure about what that specifically looks like, don’t be afraid to ask a jewelry retailer or gem seller!

We know how vital emerald color is, but what role does clarity play in emerald buying?

Clarity

Emeralds grow deep inside the Earth’s crust for millions of years under intense conditions. It’s no surprise that gas, dust, and other particles get trapped inside crystals during that long period. These particles are called inclusions and can impact a gemstone’s appearance and structure.

Most emeralds have visible inclusions and surface-breaking fissures. A common inclusion found in emeralds is jardin, which means “garden” in Spanish. These inclusions imbue emeralds with a beautifully mossy, garden-like depth. In this case, inclusions are good!

While most gemstones with visible inclusions are lower in value, emeralds are priceless no matter what because of their rarity. Besides, the chances of finding “eye-clean” or inclusion-free emeralds are incredibly slim. Inclusions, on the other hand, add depth and beauty to the already breathtaking emerald.

Luckily, emeralds come in all weights and sizes.

Carat Weight

While many gemstones rarely exceed two or three carats in weight, emeralds can grow to be rather large and heavy. One of the largest emeralds in the world weighs a jaw-dropping 1.7 million carats!

In terms of pricing, larger emerald stones typically have higher prices. If you’re interested in buying jewelry with emerald center stones, consider looking at gems that weigh one to five carats.

Are there any other essential factors to consider when buying emeralds? It’s wise to get savvy on gemstone treatments, as they’re pretty common in the gem trade.

Pictured above: Emerald gemstone that has been oiled (treated with oil)

Emerald Treatments

Emerald treatments are predominantly safe, industry-standard procedures that enhance a gemstone’s color and clarity.

In other words: treated emeralds are the ultimate jewels with superior beauty and price. Without treatments, most emeralds can look dull and lack that pizazz we crave in jewelry gems.

Nearly all emeralds level up through some form of treatment. The most standard type of treatment is oiling, aka submerging emeralds in colorless oil or resin. This process saturates emeralds with that classic green color we all know and love.

Some oil treatments use green oils and hardened resin. These result in beautifully colorful jewels. However, they can require special care and maintenance.

While you’re shopping for emeralds online, be wary of synthetics, as they’re growing more and more popular.

Synthetic Emeralds

Some emeralds are neither natural nor treated; they’re lab-grown. Synthetic emeralds were first invented in 1935 by American chemist Carroll Chatham.

These lab-created gems have the same chemical makeup and crystal structure as natural emeralds, but they don’t experience millions of years of growing under immense heat and pressure.

Synthetic emeralds tend to be more expensive than other types of manufactured gems simply because the processes take more time, energy, and resources. However, they offer a budget-friendly alternative to those shopping for inexpensive gemstones that mimic the quality and brilliance of natural gems.

Of course, emeralds have been around for much longer than the 20th century. Let’s travel back in time to see how emerald stones have thrived across many eras.

Emerald Stone History

Emerald originates its name from the Greek word smaragdus, which means “green.”

Emeralds, however, are far older than ancient Greece. Did you know that the oldest emerald stones hail from South Africa and are 2.97 billion years old? That’s quite a hike back in time, right? These jewels are practically immortal!

As human civilization evolved, the legacy of the noble emerald spread far and wide. Emeralds have been mined from Egypt since at least 330 BC. During this period, one of our favorite historical figures adorned herself in green emeralds.

Queen Cleopatra was famous for her famous emerald collection and even held exclusive rights to first pick of the lot for all emerald mines under her reign. Talk about power (and fashion!)

A little later in history, emerald industrial mining flourished under the Roman and Byzantine empires. In the 14th century, emeralds became incredibly popular in India and Austria.

What were emeralds used for in ancient times? Ancient people believed that emeralds released prophetic powers when placed under the tongue. As such, people used emerald talismans to reveal truths, promote fidelity, and provide protection against evil sorcery.

So, with such a vibrant history, where does emerald stone come from originally?

Emerald Stone Origins and Sources

Emeralds are formed in igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks deep within the Earth’s crust over millions of years. You may be wondering: why is emerald so rare? Well, it’s unusual for both beryllium and chromium or vanadium to form in the same area. Without a combination of these elements, emeralds simply can’t exist.

It’s the striking fusion of these elements that gifts us gorgeous emerald stones!

Quite a phenomenal process, right? But where does it happen, and where are emeralds found? Colombia is the world’s largest emerald supplier, sourcing about 50-95% of the world’s supply. Any guesses as to why?

If you guessed it’s because Colombian emeralds have the highest quality — with pure green shades that are out of this world — you’re right!

Other emerald mines are located in Brazil, Zambia, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Canada, Russia, and the United States.

Moving onto emerald uses and benefits: what do emeralds symbolize? As we segue into the stone’s holistic properties, we’ll uncover emerald stone benefits along the way.

Emerald Stone Meaning

Emeralds aren’t just gorgeous green gemstones that will take your breath away: they possess holistic qualities that can help you thrive in all areas of life.

How? For one, emeralds encourage love and loyalty and help you strengthen your friendships and romantic relationships. Who knew those gorgeous green gems you love could also be a friendship booster?

And that’s not all: emeralds symbolize self-growth and empowerment, too. These sparkling jewels can enhance your mental clarity and open your inner eye to wisdom and foresight.

If it’s riches you seek: emeralds don’t just manifest material wealth. They can help you become rich in spiritual gifts and life experiences!

What is emerald good for when it comes to its spiritual and healing powers? Emerald meanings go way beyond the emotional and into the spiritual. Let’s tap into those good vibes!

Emerald Spiritual and Healing Properties

Emeralds have been used as powerful healing crystals for thousands of years. When you place an emerald on your chest, you’re channeling its healing energy right into the heart chakra.

Chakras are sacred energy centers that run along seven parts of the spine to revitalize your physical and spiritual wellbeing. The heart chakra, in particular, is found in your chest and governs your relationships with yourself and others.

When this chakra is blocked, you may experience turmoil in your relationships. Who has time for that? Grab emeralds to open the heart chakra and free yourself to better understand and accept those around you.

Emeralds can encourage us to take excellent care of ourselves, so you’ll want to take care of them in return!

Emerald Stone Care and Maintenance

Taking care of your emerald gemstone is super simple and doesn’t require extra money or resources.

Before you bathe your emeralds in a bath of cleaners, avoid ultrasonic cleaners and any boiling or steaming methods. All you need is a bowl, soft brush, and mild detergent to get your jewels squeaky clean.

Gently lather and scrub your emeralds with mild, scent-free soap.
Rinse your jewelry with warm water and gingerly pat them dry with a soft microfiber towel.

And voila, your gemstone is sparkling like brand-new again! Be sure to only wash as needed, as cleaning your emerald too frequently can erode its gorgeous sparkle.

While emerald care and maintenance may be dirt-cheap, you may be wondering about emerald prices in general. Luckily, we’ve handled that portion of research for you as well. After all, you should know what to expect to pay when shopping for gemstones, right? Right.

Emerald Stone Prices and Value

Are emeralds expensive? Well, that depends on the quality and size of the gem. Ultimately, it depends on the gemstone quality and origins.

As you browse for emeralds online, you’ll notice that emerald stone prices range anywhere from $30 to $9.8k per carat at retail value. Here’s how it breaks down:

Commercial-grade: $30-525 per carat

Good: $525-1.125k per carat
Fine: $1.125k-2.9k per carat
Extra fine: $2.9k-9.8k+ per carat

As you can see, emeralds are versatile jewels all around; there’s even a price point for everyone! Like we mentioned before, Colombian emeralds fetch the highest prices. Larger emeralds that are medium to dark green and have intense saturation are highly valuable as well.

Overall, emerald stones can accommodate many different budgets, but because they’re a precious gem, they are an investment you’ll cherish lifelong. Plus, you can pass them down through generations as a treasured family heirloom.

Ready to Rock an Emerald?

These classic jewels have a rich legacy that surpasses dinosaurs and continues to amaze us today. Who can resist that glittering allure of a bright green gemstone? From their enchanting beauty to their diverse properties, emeralds are dazzling gems that’ll always be on-trend.

If you’re looking for a sparkling ring or a holistic healing stone, emeralds can be both! With these vibrant gemstones, you’ll have both style, serenity, and sophistication.

Take a leaf from Cleopatra’s book: life is always a little bit sweeter and greener with emeralds by your side.

Ready to buy emerald gemstones online? Shop for emeralds today!

Emerald

エメラルドは古代から人気のある宝石のひとつです。人々のように、エメラルドはしばしば美しいですが完璧ではありません、完璧な石の近くは高価で非常にまれです。エメラルドの中にはバナジウムとクロムがありますが、その中心にあるのはアクアマリンやモルガナイトと同じ鉱物であるベリルです。 EmeraldはBerylファミリーの一部であるため、同じ特性を共有します。これらの特性の1つは硬度です。これはMOHSで7.5〜8に位置します。これはジュエリーを着るという点では難しいですが、エメラルドは非常に脆いことに注意する必要があります。

最高級のエメラルドストーンは純粋なグリーンの色合いで、内包物は含まれていません。この質の石は非常にまれです。市場のほとんどすべてのエメラルドは目に見える介在物を含むでしょう。これは悪いことではありません、それは単に水晶が自然に成長する方法です。

名前の由来は？

ラテン語、特にEsmeraldusに由来する「エメラルド」という名前。基本的に、この名前の由来はギリシャ語です。

販売店

エメラルドの誕生石

エメラルドは5月に生まれた人々の誕生石です。

エメラルドの外観と価値を定義するプロパティ

他の宝石と同じように、エメラルドはその外観と価値を特徴付けるいくつかのプロパティを持つことで一般的に知られています。これらは色と透明度ですが、異なる宝石用原石の場合には透明度が非常に重要ですが、現実はエメラルド色が主な考慮事項です。実際には不透明な石の中には、濃い色をしていて大きさが良いものであれば価値があるものもありますが、明瞭さは明らかにまだ考えです。

あなたが色によってエメラルドを評価するとき、あなたが特別な注意を払う必要がある3つの主要な要素があります、そしてこれらはトーン、色相と彩度です。一次色相は緑色ですが、あちこちで二次色相のように青と黄色があります。あなたが市場で入手可能で見つけることができる最も良いエメラルドは、75％のトーンと彩度をもたらしています。エメラルドに関しては、通常の彩度はグレーです。

明快さ

ほとんどのエメラルドは表面に割れ目が入っているため、透明度の点から見てグレイディングが容易です。ここで知っておくべき魅力的なことは、すべてのエメラルドには独自の欠陥があるため、それほど手間をかけずに特定の石を簡単に識別できることです。あなたは感謝するだろう驚くべき結果で、状況に応じて、楕円形のカット、エメラルドカットまたは長方形のカットでエメラルドを見つけることができます。

トリートメント

明瞭さを向上させるために、ほとんどのエメラルドはラピダリー後のプロセスの一部として無色のオイルで油をさされています。エメラルドと同様の屈折率を持つスギ油がよく使われます。 Opticonのようなエメラルドのそれに近い屈折率を有する合成油およびポリマーを含む他の液体も使用される。石油の使用は伝統的であり、宝石取引で広く受け入れられています。青みがかった色の油の使用は、貿易では受け入れられません。

セラールオイルは酸化し始めると、しばらくすると黄色に変わることがあります。これはエメラルドに黄色い色合いを与えます。一定期間オイルの供給を続けると、エメラルドは内部で黄色の酸化で染色されるようになります。

一流の世界の実験室はエメラルドの明快さを等級分けするための言語を標準化しました。宝石は石への強化のレベルの観点から4段階のスケールで等級分けされます、そして、明快さではありません：

しかし、これは解釈の対象となることを忘れないでください。いくつかの宝石研究所は、オイルまたはポリマーの単なる存在が強化を構成すると考える。材料の存在が宝石の外観を実質的に改善しない場合、他の人は痕跡量のオイルを無視するかもしれません。

中等度の強化レベルで高品質のエメラルドはどれも等級分けされていない同じ石の半分の費用がかかるはずです。一般に、Cedarwoodは高級石に使用され、ポリマーおよび商業用石には樹脂が使用されます。治療に使用される材料はエメラルドの地理的な場所に起因する可能性があることにも注意する必要があります。 Jaipur Johnsonのインドのカッティングハブでは、ベビーオイルが使用されています。コロンビアのような南アメリカの国々ではシダーウッドオイルが使われていますが、パルマのような他の媒体もそうです。

有名なエメラルド

エメラルドは何世紀にもわたって取引されていました。エメラルドの歴史にとって重要な石がたくさん見つかっています。これらは含まれています

皇帝Jehangirは純粋なエメラルドから作られた全体のカップを持っていました
これまでに発見された最大のコロンビアエメラルドは632カラットの重さがあります。それは "Patricia"という名前を持っています
イスタンブールのトプカピ宮殿は、すべて貴重なエメラルドで作られた短剣を含む装飾品や道具でいっぱいです。
世界最大の彫刻が施されたエメラルドは、米国ペンシルベニア州ピッツバーグのカーネギー自然史博物館にある1,558カラットの彫刻です。
TheChalk Emeraldは、これまでに発見された中で最高で最もきれいなCoumbian Emeraldです。それは37.82カラットで、見事な緑の色合いをしています。

エメラルドの歴史

エメラルドの歴史は、クレオパトラが多くのエメラルドを宝石のために採掘したエジプトの時代にさかのぼることができます。これらの古代エメラルドの源は紅海の近くのどこかにあると信じられています。これらの地雷は現在「クレオパトラの地雷」と呼ばれています。

地質学の歴史

エメラルドが生み出す背景にある地質は魅力的です。エメラルドは地球上で最も古い宝石のひとつであると考えられています。いくつかの見積もりはエメラルドがすでに2億6000万年前に遡って地球の下で成長していたと述べました。

エメラルドの色の原因となる要素はクロムとバナジウムです。世界中のいくつかの場所では、これらの要素は豊富にあります。エメラルドを作成するために必要な他の成分はベリリウムです。

これらの元素は構造的分離によって地表に持ち上げられます。テクトニックプレートが離れると、この同じプロセスで宝石に多くの割れ目が生じます。これが、ほとんどのエメラルドに欠陥がある理由、そしてきれいなエメラルドを見つけるのが非常に難しい理由です。

エメラルド値

エメラルドの2つの主な要因は色と透明度です。毎日の購入者にとって、色は常に明瞭さよりも優先されるべきです。あなたが鮮やかな緑、含まれている石とより明るい色のきれいな石の間で選ぶ必要があるならば、常にvivd緑を選んでください。

エメラルドのスペック

モース硬度：7.5-8靭性：脆い
光沢：硝子体比重：2.65 - 2.80
屈折率：1.56-1.60へき開：非常に不完全、基礎
化学式：（Be 3 Al 2（SiO 3）6）
結晶系：六角形

エメラルドの一般的な包含物

場所が異なれば、内容が明確に異なります。

コロンビア：三相介在物（結晶と気泡を含む液体充填キャビティ）
インド：二相介在物（気泡を含む液体充填キャビティ）
ブラジル：雲母の黒い包有物
ジンバブエ：トレモライト（繊維状または針状結晶）
シベリア：アクチノライトの針状結晶
ザンビアのエメラルド：表面の割れ目が少ないほど一般的には含まれなくなりますが、色はコロンビアやブラジルほどではありません。方解石含有物を見ることができます。
その他の場所：マイカフレーク、方解石と黄鉄鉱、およびカラーゾーニング

エメラルドマインズ

最初は、痕跡の中、エメラルドはインド、オーストリア、エジプトで刻まれていましたが、最近ではザンビア、コロンビア、そしてタンザニア、米国、オーストラリア、アフガニスタンなどの国々で宝石品質のエメラルドが生産されています。特にコロンビアはエメラルドの性質で知られています。採掘の大部分が小規模の職人用掘削機によって行われているこの地域からの世界で最もすばらしい例がいくつかあります。

他の場所、特にザンビアでの採掘は、Gem分野のような組織がより大規模な事業を展開しているより大きな規模で行われています。