Emerald Gemstones and Emerald Jewelry
Emerald is the green variety of the mineral beryl. Other gemstone color varieties that belong to beryl include aquamarine, morganite, and heliodor. Other colors of beryl are simply refered to by their color, such as red beryl.
The wonderful green color of emerald is unparalleled in the gem kingdom. Emerald's precious green color is caused by small amounts of chromium and enhanced by traces of iron. Unlike other beryls, emeralds often contain inclusions and other flaws. These flaws are not looked on as negative aspects for emerald like they would be for other gemstones. Indeed, these flaws are considered part of the character of the stone and are used to assure the purchaser of a natural stone.
Some of the world's most famous emerald deposits in Columbia are of hydrothermal origin where heated mineral bearing waters or gases from deep igneous sources later cooled and crystallized along fractures in carbonate rocks. Associated minerals in these deposits are dolomite, pyrite, calcite, quartz and albite.
The most desired color is an intense grass green which is considered very valuable, even when visible inclusions are present in the faceted gem. Emerald gems are commonly enhanced with oils & resins, and they are generally considered to have undergone such treatments unless they are specifically stated as being untreated or unenhanced.
There is some controversy as to the definition of a 'true' emerald. Some say that a true emerald must have the impurity chromium, although some intense grass green colored 'emeralds' colored only by vanadium impurities look exactly the same as the 'real emeralds' with chromium color causing impurities.
Emerald is one of the earliest known gem minerals to man. It has been assigned a very large number of occult properties over the last 6000 years. Some of these Traditional beliefs are that emerald is a symbol of immortality, it is good for the eyes and eyesight, it cures snakebites, encourages and preserves chastity, cures dysentery, prevents epilepsy, promotes cleverness, courage, eloquence, honesty, prosperity and a great number of other beneficial qualities.
In general it can be said that emerald is believed to protect against illnesses, physical danger and evil and that it can improve your mind and character.
