A high-quality emerald can be more expensive than real diamonds. These are not legends at all, and beautiful stones of rich green color can indeed be very expensive. But along with natural crystals, the market also offers completely mythical stones at the price of real emeralds. These include red and black emerald. By calling other minerals, beautiful in themselves, after the name of a precious stone, traders are trying to profitably sell their goods.
High-quality emerald can be more expensive than real diamonds
Emerald color is always green
All mineralogical encyclopedias characterize emerald as a transparent mineral with a crystalline structure belonging to the beryl group. The color of the stone is described as green with a hint of blue. It has its own name - emerald. This indicates the unique color of the stone.
Depending on the deposit, precious gems may have a slightly more pronounced yellow or blue tint, but it is impossible to find a blue emerald. Dim stones with a bluish color can be simple beryl or of artificial origin. The same applies to the mineral, which is often sold as red emerald. We are talking about a rare, beautiful and valuable crystal of bright red color. It is called bixbite and belongs to the same group of beryls as real emerald.
Sometimes you can find transparent minerals of very dark shades on sale. Unscrupulous traders may offer them as a rare black emerald, but do not pay attention to their assurances of the authenticity of the stone. Any crystal of dark gray color can appear under this name.
All mineralogical encyclopedias characterize emerald as a transparent mineral with a crystalline structure belonging to the beryl group
Natural emerald can only be green. The heterogeneity of the color of a large crystal allows you to obtain jewelry stones that are lighter in color, with a bluish tint, or yellowish-green. Depending on the color saturation and transparency (purity) of the crystal, its price is also determined. On the jewelry labels you can, among other things, notice the designation 2/2 or 3/3. In the professional environment of jewelers, these numbers indicate the color and purity of the stone: the higher the number, the higher the stone is rated according to the five-point system. Designations are found only on jewelry with natural stones.
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A cloudy, opaque crystal appears this way due to inclusions of air bubbles or other minerals (for example, talc). At the same time, it is considered an emerald, but will have a low cost. In this case, a low rating is given on the product label.
Natural emerald can only be green
Living room in shades of green
The color of nature itself inspires the creation of delightful custom spaces. A wonderful addition is a blue sofa, turquoise coffee table top, green potted plants and light wood.
- Among emerald additives, lamp shades (especially floor lamps) occupy a special place.
- By the way, there will be all kinds of decorative pillows and blankets, ceramics and glass.
- Heavy emerald velvet curtains in harmony with light brown furniture will add some sophistication.
What is the "emerald garden"?
Some varieties of gemstones (Colombian, Tanzanian, Indian emeralds) contain inclusions of liquid, air or salt crystals of quite large size. They are usually visible to the naked eye. A network of small cracks may also form inside the crystal. The value of the stone is noticeably reduced due to such defects, but very few pure stones are found, and varieties with such inclusions are very common.
To avoid overstocking and falling prices for emeralds, jewelers use a simple marketing technique. In low-grade stones, defects are presented as advantages, they come up with a poetic name and sell the minerals, although inexpensively, but in large quantities. In this case, the name was suggested by the color: an emerald with flaws in the light resembles the interweaving of branches and green leaves.
Do not mistake stones with inclusions for fakes. This is most often a real natural emerald. An artificially grown crystal usually has a completely transparent mass, rich color and an ideal surface.
Physical and chemical properties
The formula of emerald is Be3Al2Si6O18, that is, being a beryllium compound, it belongs to beryl. The hardness on the Mohs scale is up to 8 out of 10, which is higher than most gems, but less than ruby, sapphire or diamond. Density - from 2.69 to 2.8 grams per cubic centimeter.
The color of emerald is almost always green, only the shades change.
Various impurities in a crystal can give it a reddish, black or bluish tint, but pure specimens of deep and rich tones are most valued.
Emeralds are never ideal, free from defects. This gives them individuality, but is also a problem when cutting - any careless movement can split a seemingly durable stone.
An artificially grown emerald does not have such problems, but it does not look as beautiful, and most importantly, it is devoid of healing and magical properties.
Where are emeralds mined?
Emerald ore is distributed throughout the planet.
Geologists call it greisen and look to this mineral as a sign of gemstones. Emerald ore can be formed as a result of the action of hot water in thermal springs on granite rocks, which are very characteristically destroyed. The Colombian emerald, considered the best in the world, is found in such veins. The very rich but unusual emerald ore in Colombian deposits is represented by carbonaceous shales. The mineral itself is found in ore veins in the form of inclusions. The main supplier of the precious stone is currently Colombia (50-95% of world production). There, at the Muso deposit, an unusual dark emerald with light zones located radially is mined. This type of stone has its own name - trapiche. Apart from Colombian deposits, such stones have not been found anywhere else; perhaps the reason for their formation was an unusual emerald ore.
In addition to Colombia, emeralds are mined in many places: in the USA and Canada, in a number of European countries, in Pakistan and Afghanistan, India, on the African continent and on the island. Madagascar. Ural emeralds, mined in Russia, are famous for the size of their pure crystals. They are considered very high quality even by world standards.
Emerald ore is distributed throughout the planet
Determination of origin
It is unknown when people began to mine real emerald. Cleopatra, who died 30 years BC, wore jewelry made from precious stones. The oldest mines, 200 m deep, in which the mineral was mined for finishing the tombs of the pharaohs, were discovered in Egypt near Aswan, their age is at least 3 thousand years.
Under natural conditions, stone crystals are formed when igneous rocks are exposed to aqueous solutions heated to high temperatures. The process of gem formation lasted millions of years. Most of the stones that are prized for their quality come from Colombian mines. Crystals with a six-pointed star are found here.
Brazil is famous for its light green emeralds of high purity. Mineral deposits were discovered:
- in Tanzania and Zimbabwe;
- in India and Pakistan;
- in Canada and Australia.
Zambia supplies millions of small emerald crystals to the market every year.
At the Malyshevsky mine in Russia, stones are mined in mines at a depth of more than 300 m. The rock is raised to the surface, where it is dried and processed.
By the way! The opaque minerals of the Ural deposit have a pronounced grassy tint.
Recently, emeralds were found in Tanzania, in the crystals of which veins form inclusions of mica, planes with liquids. In South Africa, deposits of an opaque stone of a pale green color were discovered; the cost of these gems is much cheaper.
How to identify a real emerald?
When buying expensive jewelry, no one wants to buy a fake. Common green beryls, similar to emeralds, are often offered at low prices. This is what should alert the buyer first of all.
How to choose an emerald so as not to make a mistake? There are several features that are unique to real stones:
- Dichroism, or the ability to change color when the angle of incidence of light changes. By turning the stone 90º, you can see how it changes from a bluish tint to a golden one or vice versa.
- Natural emerald has a rich green color, sometimes with a velvety tint. The crystal may be cloudy, but it is never light green, bottle green, or swampy.
- Cracks and inclusions are another way to distinguish natural crystals from grown synthetic counterparts. If a stone has no flaws, it is incredibly expensive, comparable in price to a diamond or surpassing it. A hydrothermal emerald without blemishes costs tens of times less.
Trying to determine the authenticity of a stone using special equipment is quite difficult. This task can only be done by specialists.
When buying expensive jewelry, no one wants to buy a fake. Common green beryls, similar to emeralds, are often offered at low prices.
The commonly used name "hydrothermal emerald" indicates that the crystal was grown in a laboratory. The chemical composition of synthetic stones fully corresponds to the best varieties of Colombian minerals. Nano-emerald can be grown only under certain conditions, which are kept secret by every manufacturer of such stones. Hydrothermal emerald is cheaper than real crystals, but differs from them in its high purity and color saturation. Depending on the amount of certain additives, scientists can grow stones with predetermined properties and the desired shade.
An artificial emerald replicates the properties of a natural crystal. It is dichroic, has a rich color and even consists of the same substances. How to distinguish an artificially created emerald from a real stone?
The only way is to pay attention to the defects. If there are no noticeable cracks, then you should inspect the stone through a magnifying glass: real crystals always contain microscopic defects. And only their complete absence will indicate the laboratory origin of the insert. Another sign may be the lack of evaluation of color and purity on the jewelry label.
It is necessary to distinguish one mineral from another if we choose it as a talisman. For these purposes, you can use both faceted inserts and unprocessed crystals. But it is impossible to replace the emerald gemstone with green garnet, beryl, chrysolite or an artificial analogue.
Greenery in other rooms
Emerald color is an excellent choice for a children's room. Considering the amount of children's energy and many impressions during the day, it is good to have an ally in the form of wall color, which will help calm the playful baby.
- An emerald-colored bathtub and washbasin will require a suitable background against which it will stand out.
- White color is suitable for floors or walls. Interesting geometric black and white flooring.
- White tiles on a fragment of a wall framed with black grout and gold accessories will emphasize the refined essence of the arrangement.
- A bathroom in peach, pink and beige tones will be decorated with an emerald cabinet.
You cannot remain indifferent to the emerald color. By bringing it into his home, a person decides to live in a unique and inimitable space.
Good luck in arranging your own noble emerald refuge!
The magic of the green gem
Like many precious stones, green emerald in Rus' was known under a completely different name. The modern name, borrowed from Arabic and Turkish, comes from the Greek word “smaragdos”. And it is emeralds that are mentioned in the chronicles where green precious stones are discussed. In the Romance languages, the Greek word also changed, and emeralds are still called “esmerald”.
Both the precious emerald and the zumurut mentioned in Avicenna’s treatises, and the green stones beloved by the Mayans and Incas, which the conquistadors identified as esmerald, are one and the same mineral, currently known as emerald. The magical properties that are attributed to it have been used to solve problems since ancient times.
In European medieval magic, emerald is a symbol of chastity and motherhood. The description of the stone notes its special properties: to cleanse, help fight one’s own shortcomings, produce noble impulses and radiate a positive mood. Since ancient times, emerald stone has been considered a protector against the evil spells and thoughts of others, against despondency and short-sighted actions. It is believed that the magical properties of the emerald stone increase if it was inherited from previous generations.
This is a wonderful amulet for young mothers: emerald and its varieties can be given to your spouse after the birth of your first child. Jewelry with inserts made of processed stones will give a woman peace of mind and satisfaction with her new position. The protection of the crystal also extends to the child: he will not be jinxed, he will sleep more peacefully at night and suffer less from various childhood diseases.
Emerald in lithotherapy
Modern healers especially highlight the healing properties of emerald. Traditionally, contemplation of the green depth of the crystal was recommended for the treatment of eye diseases. Currently, it is believed that any type of emerald can relieve tension in the organ of vision.
The precious green crystal is also credited with the ability to calm the nervous system and neutralize the manifestations of chronic fatigue syndrome. Cleansing and antiseptic properties are also noted: it is believed that there are no bacteria in water infused with the gem. It can be used to wash your face for acne and skin irritations, and to wash poorly healing wounds.
The Egyptian queen Cleopatra, whose beauty amazed her contemporaries, greatly valued the emerald: its value as an amulet that prolongs youth was incredibly important to her. But it is still believed that constantly wearing jewelry with a gem rejuvenates and gives vitality. In practice, improvements in metabolism and normalization of the functioning of the entire body have been noted.
Magical properties of emerald (video)
Combination with zodiac signs
The magical properties of emerald allow not everyone to wear it. Regardless of who the gem is suitable for according to the horoscope, dishonest people who are at odds with their own conscience will not be able to wear jewelry with it. The inserts will split, the item will be lost, and, like many precious stones, the emerald will not help its owner.
But when choosing a piece of jewelry, you need to take into account which zodiac sign the emerald suits. This will help to avoid problems that arise when there is a discrepancy in the influence that crystals have on the life and destiny of their owners.
Ideal companions would be emerald and the zodiac sign - Virgo. People born between August 21 and September 20 often have a pessimistic outlook on life. A product that contains Ural emeralds will help them treat their surroundings with great confidence and give them the ability to enjoy every moment of their existence.
For courageous Sagittarius, the magical mineral emerald will help them get rid of the desire to surpass others and make them calmer. But most of all it will be useful to Gemini: the importance of the emerald stone for them lies in its ability to give wisdom and composure. Impressionable, insecure representatives of this sign will be able to gain sober thinking and a philosophical attitude towards any situations in life. It will be easier for single people to find a partner, and married people will be able to trust their partner more.
Cancers, Pisces and Scorpios are also among those who are suitable for jewelry containing magic crystals. They equally need endurance and ease in relationships with others. Despite the difference in potential, both the hot-tempered Scorpio and the modest Cancer are signs corresponding to the element of Water. It is her receptivity and ability to change shape that makes those born under these constellations so sensitive to external influences. The ability of a coldish crystal to protect from external negativity was noticed in ancient times and can help the signs of the Water trine.
The magical properties of emerald allow not everyone to wear it
Representatives of other zodiac signs are better off not wearing emerald jewelry too often. While helping in some situations, they may well harm in others. The criterion for choosing a gem as an amulet or talisman that attracts wealth should be the expected events themselves: at a business meeting related to financing their enterprise or obtaining a loan, such jewelry will be very useful.
It is best to purchase gems and jewelry with them from trustworthy large jewelry companies. Experts will provide full information about where the emeralds of the presented group are mined, if necessary, conduct an examination and provide confirmation of the authenticity of the crystal.
When buying jewelry in random places, you should remember that the characteristic of emerald marks the green color of different shades as the only possible one. Dark, rich colors increase the value of the stone, but completely black emerald does not exist in nature. Careful attention to the choice of crystals will greatly reduce the risk of disappointment in the purchase.
Influence on zodiac signs
There is no unity in astrology regarding emerald. Some consider it the stone of Mercury and recommend it to Gemini, since the zodiac sign is ruled by this planet.
Others associate the influence of crystals with the Moon, Vulcan, Proserpina. Emerald is best worn by people with developed intuition, especially women. Among the zodiac signs it is suitable for Pisces and Cancer. Jewelry with a green crystal is not recommended for down-to-earth Capricorns.
In order for the positive power of the stone to manifest itself, a person must strive to obtain spiritual knowledge and work on himself. It is better for deceitful individuals not to wear emerald: failures and illnesses are possible. To the worthy, on the contrary, the gem gives protection to the patron planet.
Compatibility with other minerals
Being a mineral of the air element, emerald does not combine well with Water stones: opal, pearl, topaz, amethyst, heliotrope, alexandrite.
In jewelry, cut emerald is ideally combined with diamonds, as well as with stones of the same category, which includes: sapphire, peridot and ruby.
Agate makes an equally harmonious pair for it.
Who suits the name
An emerald engagement ring with a diamond in gold
Emerald is ideal for a woman named:
- Julia. The stone will not only protect her from all kinds of troubles and misfortunes, but will also attract good luck to her.
- Isabel. Having cleansed the aura, the mineral will drive away negative energy from it, help preserve the family hearth, impart composure and give impetus to inspiration.
- Elena. The support of the stone will make her more balanced and wise.
The emerald will become a talisman for a man named:
- Peter. Having gotten rid of bad thoughts and sadness, he will gain hope and the ability to think soundly.
- Hermann. The crystal's help will open the way to the future, giving him wisdom and hope.
- Klim. The stone will not only help him overcome his melancholy, but will also make him forget about love failures.
