The Emerald | Identification, value and symbolism of emeralds

The Emerald
from the Vulgar Latin "esmeralda/esmeraldus" (green)

The name "emerald" could also come from two sources: the Greek “smaragdos” or the ancient Hindu, the meaning “green stone”. In Brazil, emeralds were discovered in 1963. Since then, the South American country is the biggest emerald producer and its green gems are considered of high quality. There are more rich deposits in Russia, Colombia and Zimbabwe.

Emerald is the most important beryl mineral. Its hardness places between 7.5 and 8 in the Mohs scale. However, this hardness could be reduced. It depends on the number and the size of inclusions. From a chemical-mineralogical point of view, emeralds are beryllium aluminum silicates.

EMERALD IDENTIFICATION

Emerald is a highly appreciated green jewel and owes its color to chromium and vanadium. The most important emerald varieties have a central and common feature: they are transparent.

When talking about emerald's characteristics two types should be underlined: natural emeralds and the synthetic ones. Synthetic emeralds began to be manufactured by Germany, before the beginning of the World War II. The ultraviolet filter gives us the possibility to distinguish between natural and synthetic pieces.

VALUE OF EMERALD

The purity of the color is crucial to assess the value. Along with the purity comes transparency. These are the two most important features when we want to determine the value.

The biggest emerald in the world was presented in Hong Kong and weighs 536kg.

SYMBOLISM OF EMERALD

Emeralds represent medicine. In the past, people believed it had the power to absorb anthrax's poison to prevent epilepsy and help women during labor. It was frequently given to women as an amulet and also as a symbol of chastity. The mineral shattered when the sin was committed.

According to the Eastern beliefs emeralds could cure many ills. Emeralds purified blood and stopped nauseas like a balm against snake and scorpions' bites.

In Ancient Egypt, emeralds were associated with fertility and rebirth. People believed that if someone puts an emerald over the eyes of a patient, the disease would disappear. Curiously, emerald is considered one of the colors that cause more eye response from humans.

Emerald symbolizes the eternal love, Mother's Day and brides. A legend tells that emerald loses its color when one is unfaithful.

Ancient astrologers dedicated emeralds to Mercury god. Sailors used them as a talisman to calm seas and bring good fortune to their adventures.

EMERALD, VIP AND CELEBRITIES

In the 2011 Oscars, emeralds were the biggest trend. Several celebrities wore this mineral. Reese Witherspoon had emerald earrings and Amy Adams wore an emerald bracelet. Annette Bening was another celebrity showing off green emerald earrings.

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