Emerald and beryl: how they differ, the main varieties

In the photo: emerald, aquamarine, manganite, bixbite, heliodor
Jewelry connoisseurs often come across names such as emerald and beryl. And this is where some confusion may arise. Not all gemstone aficionados understand the difference between these two concepts. However, perhaps she is not there? Are beryl and emerald the names of the same mineral?

What is emerald

Emerald is green beryl. He is a gem. According to Fersman's classification, this is a gem of the first order, like a diamond, sapphire or ruby. The mineral was considered a separate type of stone until 1830.

Helpful information

The ideal emerald should be transparent, but this is rare. Green color is its main difference from other varieties of beryl. Ideally it should be rich and evenly distributed. The color of the stone is provided by chromium or vanadium oxide.

An important difference between emeralds is their fragility, which leads to splits and cracks. Often the stones are covered with a network of cracks and thin veins. Because of this, a natural gem without a defect is rare.

The color of the mineral is lost at temperatures above 700°C, but it is not afraid of acids and other reagents.

Origin story

Previously, the gem was called emerald. The origin of the word emerald is associated with a series of borrowings from different languages. The mineral is formed when felsic magma and host ultramafic igneous rocks interact.

The gem was mentioned in ancient Egyptian papyri; people have known it for several millennia. He was highly valued in Ancient Egypt and Babylon. Smaragd was Cleopatra's favorite stone.

How is emerald mined?

This stone can be mined on any continent except Antarctica. The best gems are found in deposits of the following countries:

• Colombia (Tunja, Muso) - in different years 50-95% of all emeralds mined in the world;
• Brazil - compared to Colombian minerals, Brazilian gems are purer and lighter; the world's largest specimen of Teodora, 57.5 thousand carats, was found here;
• Zambia - more emeralds are mined only in Colombia, but the quality there is lower;
• Egypt;
• New Granada.

The birthplace of lower quality stones is Austria (Salzburg and Habachtal), Ireland (Mourn Mountains), Norway (Lake Mjoesen).

Depending on the depth of occurrence, emeralds are mined by open pit or underground mining. The Egyptians had mines 3 thousand years ago, and they mined the mineral in the dark - according to legend, it did not tolerate light.

Varieties

Emerald can be natural or synthetic. Artificial stone has a lower density and refractive index, the color is rich and bluish-green. Modern technologies make it possible to produce specimens of higher quality than natural gems and identical colors, but their cost is still tens of times less.

The mineral has many possible shades, including yellow, blue, and blue. The main tone is always green, although its saturation varies.

In nature, the color of stone is often uneven. It is usually brighter at the free end of the crystal. The color intensity can vary longitudinally and transversely, and dichroism occurs.

Areas of use

Emeralds are used primarily in jewelry. The stone has special properties, which is why the emerald cut and cabochon shape are popular. In jewelry, the deep green mineral is more valued.

Another area of ​​use for gems is the production of solid-state lasers. Synthetic stones have several areas of application - jewelry making, quantum electronics.

Precious in the ordinary

There are quite a few deposits of beryl in the world; every major country mines this mineral, but, as you probably already guessed, emeralds are not found in everyone.

• The largest deposits of the noble mineral are located in Colombia. On average, about 70% of the total annual production of gems comes from this region. In good years, Colombians manage to win a 90% share, in bad years they are content with 50%. It is worth noting that emerald mining in Colombia has been global since the opening of the mines in the 16th century and remains so to this day. The richest mines are named Muzo, Chivor and Tunja.
• In our country, the precious gem is also mined in considerable quantities. Large deposits were discovered in the Urals in the 19th century; they are concentrated in the area of ​​the Tokovaya River near Yekaterinburg and are famous for crystals of impressive sizes. One of the most famous mines is Malyshevsky.

Dark green gems can be found in small quantities in almost every country.

What is beryl

This mineral is a component of beryllium ores and belongs to the subclass of ring silicates. More often it appears as prismatic crystals. They are single, connected into druses, columnar agates.

There are many color options for beryl. This diversity is provided by various impurities. The stone has a glassy luster.

The chemical composition of beryl is represented by the following elements:

• silicon dioxide (almost 70% of the composition);
• aluminium oxide;
• beryllium oxide.

The gem is used in jewelry and small crafts are made. Opaque stone is an ore mineral. With its help, beryllium oxide is obtained.

Origin story

As with emerald, the name beryllium comes from a series of borrowings from different languages. Translated, it means a sea-green colored gemstone.

The source of the mineral is pegmatite veins formed by the crystallization of acidic magmas. Metamorphic rocks also contain it.

How to mine

Beryl deposits are often complex. It is mined together with rock crystal, smoky quartz, topaz, morion, and feldspar.

There are many deposits of the mineral. They differ in the types of stone extracted and the depth of its occurrence. There are several largest deposits:

• Madagascar - this is where the largest beryl was found, 18 m long, 3.5 m in diameter and weighing 380 tons;
• South America (Brazil, Colombia);
• Russia (Ural).

Mineral deposits are found using the geophysical method - berylometry.

Varieties

Pure mineral is colorless. The division of the mineral into types is due to differences in color. The shine of the stone is always glassy.

One of the most beautiful varieties of gems is augustite. It was found only in Brazil at the Maxis deposit, which is why it is also called Maxis beryl. The color of the stone is dark blue.

One of the most famous varieties of beryl is aquamarine. It can be blue or greenish-blue in color, reminiscent of sea water. It was the coloring that gave the gem its name.

About a century ago, bazzite was discovered. This variety of beryl can be pale or intense blue, blue-green, or deep blue.

In jewelry there is a type of stone called noble. It has an interesting apple green coloration. There are also noble ordinary gems. It is transparent and pale in color.

A rare type of mineral is bixbite. It is called red beryl or red emerald. It was discovered at the beginning of the last century. The sizes of gems of this type are not large - up to 10 carats after cutting. Bixbit is popular mainly among collectors.

Another rare type of mineral is sparrowite, also called morganite or pink beryl. Due to the manganese content, it can be pink, violet-pink, reddish, amber.

One of the transparent varieties of the mineral is heliodor. It is also known as Davidsonite. Its color can be yellow, orange or golden yellow.

Another transparent type of gem is goshenite, also called white beryl. It has no color.

Place of Birth

Beryls in their different varieties are mined all over the world, but when it comes to emeralds, the best specimens come from Colombia. Bolivian gems are characterized by the presence of inclusions of other minerals - fluorite and calcite. It is through the analysis of these impurities that experts are able to determine where each pebble comes from.

On topic: The largest emeralds in the world

In addition to Colombia, green minerals are mined in India, Russia, Pakistan, and also in eastern Africa. Moreover, emerald gems from Zimbabwe often compete in value with Colombian emeralds. They are distinguished by a darker shade of green, and they also have much fewer defects.

Differences between emerald and beryl

The main difference between the gem and other types of beryl is its green color. A greenish color is also inherent in noble beryl, maybe in aquamarine, but they cannot be confused with emerald.

There are also differences in the chemical composition. In different types of beryl, it differs in impurities, which cause a variety of colors.

You can distinguish a natural emerald from other representatives of the beryl group and a fake using a magnifying glass, a color filter and a refractometer. The following points are important:

• in ultraviolet light, a natural emerald will be rich red or brown, this is ensured by an admixture of chromium;
• in natural stone, bubbles, microcracks, and other defects are usually visible through a magnifying glass; synthetic specimens are free of such defects;
• The refractive index of a natural gem is 1.58, while that of a synthetic stone is slightly lower.

How to distinguish natural stones from fakes (video)

There is an opinion that beryl is an excellent talisman. Whatever the stones are: green, yellow, blue or cyan, they are able to equally strongly protect a person from negativity. Anyone can afford such an amulet. Beryl gems can attract good luck and the attention of the opposite sex. In addition, they contribute to the successful resolution of litigation and getting rid of vain thoughts.

Thus, beryl is a truly wonderful gem. By choosing jewelry or talismans with such a mineral, you can not only get an addition to your image, but also protect yourself from negativity, receiving a lot of positive emotions.

Emerald and beryl products

You can find jewelry made from various types of beryl in any jewelry store. The most expensive options are emerald, morganite and bixbite.

The frame for them is usually 750 gold and platinum. Products with bixbit are made to order.

Jewelry made from aquamarine, goshenite, and heliodor are more accessible. Goshenites are usually combined with silver, while heliodors look better in gold. For aquamarines, the frame is made of white gold or silver.

Beryl jewelry is worn not only by women, but also by men. The frames of products for the stronger sex are often represented by silver, white gold, and platinum. The men's assortment consists mainly of cufflinks, signet rings, bracelets, and pendants.

Product prices

The cost of beryl products depends on the type of stone, its size, setting, and cut. A silver ring with aquamarine can cost about 3,500 rubles, a gold ring with heliodor - 11,000 rubles, and with bixbite - 15,000 rubles. Jewelry made to order reaches the maximum value.

One of the most expensive jewelry in the world is a tiara with emeralds and diamonds. Its cost is almost 13 million dollars.

Magical influence

In astrology, the mineral has its own meaning. It is most suitable for people whose zodiac sign is associated with the water element. We are talking about Pisces, Cancers, Scorpios. The gem brings them great luck and luck, no matter what its variety. However, at the same time, aquamarine will have the most positive effect on these signs.

The stone also brings positive energy to other signs. Taurus people who constantly wear beryl jewelry or an amulet can make a lot of friends in a short time. However, in this case it is recommended to wear the crystal in a silver frame. With the help of a wonderful stone, Gemini will learn to finish any task without leaving it for later. In addition, the Gemini horoscope speaks of their conflict nature, so wearing an amulet with heliodor or emerald is simply necessary for them, as they make a person more balanced and calm.

Beryl jewelry is also suitable for Sagittarius. Thanks to them, people of this sign will be able to deal with outbursts of causeless anger and will have calmer nerves. In this case, the silver frame plays an important role. Beryl has a positive effect on Libra and Aquarius. But, despite the large number of benefits, it is not recommended for other zodiac signs to use it.

Individual combination with a person

Beryls are unique stones in their diversity. They bring to each person what they need and get rid of what is unnecessary. Astrologers associate beryl with Pluto, Venus and the Moon and call it a “sorter” of energy.

Zodiac combination

Aquamarines are more suitable for water signs: Scorpio, Cancer and Pisces. Emeralds are ideal for Taurus. All beryls:

• balance Aries;
• financially help Taurus;
• strengthen the work of the mind in Gemini;
• help Cancers overcome obstacles;
• suitable for creating happy marriages in Leo;
• contribute to maintaining the ability to work in Virgos;
• overcome troubles and difficulties together with Libra;
• strengthen the gift of foresight in Scorpios;
• help Sagittarius in overcoming conflicts;
• move forward and make Capricorns winners;
• help Aquarius decide on a goal;
• develop Pisces talents;

Combination by name

Beryls are universal stones, but are best suited for people with the name:

• Anatoly;
• Artem;
• Ivan;
• Igor;
• Peter;
• Yuri;
• Faith;
• Evgenia;
• Zinaida;
• Lydia;

Medicinal properties

The stone is believed to have a positive effect on a person's energy field if worn regularly. Only natural minerals, and not their copies, have beneficial properties. The stone can have a positive effect due to the substances that are included in its composition.

Many traditional healers believe that in order to obtain a healing effect, it is necessary that the stone is constantly in contact with the skin and heated by it. This will allow its healing properties to manifest themselves much more strongly, and the results from wearing beryl will be felt in the shortest possible time.

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The main healing properties common to all stones of this group are:

• improving liver function and accelerating the treatment of hepatitis;
• accelerating the recovery of the respiratory system in case of illness;
• relieving back pain;
• increasing the body's resistance to adverse environmental factors;
• acceleration of cure for diseases of the genitourinary system;
• acceleration of cure from tuberculosis.

In addition to those listed, some types of stone additionally have other qualities that are beneficial to health and unique to them.

1. Emerald. Helps cope with headaches and neuroses, and also helps normalize blood pressure.
2. Aquamarine. Helps speed up recovery from infectious diseases. It also has a positive effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and reduces the risk of allergies.
3. Morganite. It has the property of strengthening memory and increasing mental abilities. Relieves insomnia and helps fight chronic fatigue.
4. Bixbit. Has a beneficial effect on the heart muscle.
5. Goshenite. Helps improve vision and normalize hormonal levels in the body.

In order for wearing a mineral to be beneficial, it is important to believe in its healing qualities.

Importance of the mineral for health

Beryl can not only complement your brilliant image and give all sorts of spiritual benefits, it will also take care of your health. The mineral will help avoid the development of certain ailments and cure existing ones.

First of all, it is worth saying that the gem generally strengthens the human immune system and stimulates the body’s defenses. The stone is of particular importance for the health of the digestive system, it improves metabolic processes and even helps to lose weight. And in ancient times, such a terrible disease as cancer was treated with the mineral.

It is important in what form a person wears beryl.

• Earrings decorated with stones will also help cure headaches and toothaches.
• A bracelet or ring will help establish healthy functioning of the reproductive system.
• The pendant will save you from even advanced respiratory diseases, including helping you quit smoking.
• Beryl keychains will improve men's health.

Lithotherapists (doctors who use natural stones for treatment) use minerals as a means of healing from back pain and colds. The therapy technique is as follows: the gem is placed on the painful organ and a beam of light is directed at it.

Place of extraction

Emeralds are found all over the world, but there are several large centers for the extraction of high-quality raw materials.

The world market leaders are Colombia (90%), Zambia, Russia, Brazil, Afghanistan.

The cost of emerald from Colombia is the highest. Analogs from Brazil or Afghanistan are a third cheaper.

In Russia, the main emerald deposits are concentrated in the Urals. They are developed by the Ural Gem Company. It provides high-tech extraction and only primary processing of the rock, so Ural emeralds retain their natural beauty.