Emerald


Description

Emerald is the bright, incomparable green variety of mineral beryl. The finest emeralds in the world today are mined in Colombia. Colombian emeralds differ from emeralds from other deposits in that they have an especially fine, shining emerald green unimpaired by any kind of bluish tint. This beautiful color is so highly esteemed in the international emerald trade that even obvious inclusions are regarded as acceptable. Fine emeralds are also found in other countries, such as Brazil, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The Meaning of Inclusions

Emeralds are often clouded by inclusions, which are not necessarily considered flaws but may be evidence of genuineness. These inclusions are referred to as jardin from the French word for "garden". Even with inclusions, an emerald in a deep, lively green still has a much higher value than an almost flawless emerald whose color is paler. Fine, top quality emeralds are even more valuable than diamonds.

Durability & Enhancements

While its hardness protects the emerald from scratches, its brittleness and its many tiny fissures can make cutting, setting, and cleaning rather difficult. Today many emeralds are enhanced with colorless oils or resins. This is a general trade practice, which means that emeralds are sensitive to inappropriate treatment.

Caring for Emerald

Emeralds cannot be cleaned in ultrasonic cleaners. The oils and resins that may have been applied to an emerald, seal fine pores in its surface and makes it shiny. Emeralds should never be submerged in hot water or cleansing agents.

History

Cleopatra’s Mines

The oldest known emerald mines, known as Cleopatra's Mines, found near the Red Sea in Egypt, were already exploited by Egyptian pharaohs between 3000 and 1500 BC.

Aztec Emeralds

In Pre-Columbian times, the Incas and the Aztecs mined fine emeralds, and indeed, these South American mines still produce the world's finest emeralds.

The Mogul Emerald

The treasure chests of Indian Maharajas and Maharanis contained many emeralds. One of the world's largest emeralds is the Mogul Emerald, which weighs more than 217 carats. The Mogul Emerald belonged to the last Mogul Emperor of India, Aurangzeb, who reigned between 1658 and 1707. A symbol of great cultural achievement, the Mogul Emerald was inscribed the names of 12 great Imams, dating back to Imam Ali Ibn Abu Ta'lib, son-in-law of the prophet Muhammed.

In 2001 this legendary emerald was auctioned by Christie's of London to an unidentified buyer for 2.2 million US Dollars.

Folklore

Greek Emeralds

The green of the emerald conveys harmony, love of nature, and love of life. Ancient Greek naturalist Pliny the Elder commented that its green gladdened the eye without tiring it.

Hindu Emeralds

Written many centuries ago, the Vedas, the holy scriptures of the Hindus, say that emeralds promise good luck and enhanced well-being.

Aztec Emeralds

In Pre-Columbian times, the Incas and Aztecs of Central America regarded the emerald as a holy gemstone.

Dreaming of Emerald

In Victorian times dreaming of emerald foretold of promising future events.

Symbolism

Hour: 2:00 pm

Day: Tuesday and Friday

Birthstone, modern:   May
Birthstone, pre-1900:   May
Birthstone, pre-1900, Arabic: May
Birthstone, pre-1900, Hindu: May
Birthstone, pre-1900, Italian:  June
Birthstone, pre-1900, Jewish:  June
Birthstone, pre-1900, Polish: May
Birthstone, pre-1900, Roman:  June
Birthstone, pre-1900, Russian:  May

Season: Spring

Wedding anniversary, traditional: 20th and 35th
Wedding anniversary, pre-1900:  55th

Angels: Sammael, Anneal and Muriel

Apostles: James and John the Evangelist

Star: Spica Virginis 17º of Libra

Planets: Mercury and Venus

Zodiac: Cancer

US State:
North Carolina, official state gemstone

Countries: Peru and Spain

See also

aquamarine and beryl


emerald


naturally-formed emerald crystal


emerald and diamond ring


217+ carat Mogul emerald, inscribed with


naturally-formed emerald crystal

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