Emerald is a category 1 precious beryl, rich green in color with a warm yellow or cold blue tint, included in the “luxury four” along with diamonds, sapphires, and rubies. It is considered a source of wealth, love and joyful enjoyment of life.
Powerful energy is associated with the power of well-being of the Universe, bestows wisdom, and protects from danger. The emerald stone's properties suit only nine constellations according to the zodiac sign: being under the auspices of Mercury, the closest planet to the Sun, and Venus, the crystal helps the wards of the three luminaries and friendly elements. Knowing how to use the power of green beryl, you can fly to the top of the world, become famous and happy. From ancient times to the 21st century, the mineral has been included in the collections of kings, movie stars and oligarchs.
History and origin
The properties of the emerald stone have been known to people since biblical times - it adorned the chest of the High Priest Aaron among 12 magical crystals consolidating spiritual gifts. The Persian name “zommorodi” was changed by the Turks into “zumrud”.
In the era of trade and political ties with the Ottoman Empire, the Slavs became acquainted with a wonderful crystal, revered by the Turkish padishahs for its bright green hue - the color of Islam, and the national myth about the magical bird Zumrudanka, which bestowed good luck on those who caught it by the tail, which echoes the tales of the Firebird. In Rus', before the era of Ivan the Terrible, the mineral was called “smaragd,” but the Turkish name took root instantly. In Europe it is called "emerald".
In ancient times, emerald was popularized by Queen Cleopatra, who emphasized the color of her eyes and warm peachy skin tone with bright beryls. Before her, the magic stone was worn by the wives of high priests initiated into the mysteries of Isis - the goddess of love, healing and prosperity. In the Egyptian mines of Cleopatra, hundreds of miners at a depth of 300 meters spent days digging out druses of crystals that do not like sunlight.
The famous tablets of Hermes Trismegistus with the postulates of fundamental universal wisdom were carved from emerald layers. According to legend, the Grail cup is also made of it, or covered with a thick layer of nuggets. The Hellenes called beryl "the green fire of the underworld" and the Romans worshiped it as a source of purification of the mind.
In the culture of the Indians of South America - the Incas and Aztecs, nuggets the size of a human head were considered goddesses who guard the clan. Defending themselves from the Spanish conquistadors, the priests smashed sacred relics, throwing them into the abyss.
The ransom of the Indian leader Atahualpu went down in history because of 7 tons of gold inlaid with emeralds. Columbian deposits supplied Europe with excellent examples of stone for three centuries. The most famous is “Queen Isabella”, measuring 1000 carats, named after the ruler of Spain.
Gemologists entered the following emeralds into the historical register:
- Griffin, weighing 1.5 kg;
- Theodoro – 11 kg, the size of a watermelon;
- Buddha, with the image of a Hindu deity;
- Devonshire, hexagonal in shape.
In Russia, a rich deposit was discovered in the Urals in the 19th century, from where nuggets the size of chicken eggs were supplied to the imperial court. Jewelry with emerald elevates the owner to the level of heavenly beauty and magical talents, which is why they are popular in the 21st century. Among the fans of jewelry are Elizabeth Taylor, the British royal family, Angelina Jolie, Claudia Schiffer, Charlize Theron, Irina Shayk, Natalia Vodianova.
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The most famous minerals
Many extraordinary minerals are known in the history of mankind; we will list some of them.
- The Duke of Devonshire's Emerald is the largest emerald in the world, located in the British Museum of Natural History (London).
- "Patricia" - mined at the Chivor mine in 1920, weight - 632 carats, exhibited at the American Museum of Natural History (New York).
- “Hooker” is a square-shaped Colombian emerald, weighing 75.47 carats, which was the property of the Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II, bought by Tiffany & Co in 1911 and inserted into a brooch.
- “Emerald Buddha”, weight - 3600 carats, found in 1994, a Buddha figurine was carved from it (Madagascar).
- The “truck,” weighing more than 2 kilograms, was found in the mines of Muso (Colombia).
- "Mogul" - weight - 217.8 carats, discovered in 1695. The texts of prayers are engraved on one side of it, and flower patterns on the other. It was purchased at Christie's for $2.2 million.
- “President”, weighing about 1200 grams, was found in 1993 at the Malyshevsky mine, located in the Diamond Fund (Moscow).
- "Miner's Glory", weight - 6 kilograms 431 grams (Moscow).
- The 18th century dagger is decorated with three emeralds. At the end of the handle there is a watch with a cover made of lamellar emerald, the scabbard is made of gold, stored in the Topkapi Palace Museum (Istanbul).
Main deposits
Natural minerals of pure shades are rare - there are often black spots inside. 90% of supplies to the world market come from Colombian deposits, where minerals of the brightest shades of blue-green are mined.
The stones from the Zambian mines are light in color with a bluish tint; nuggets with a yellow tint are brought from Zimbabwe. The Ural mines are depleted; in the 21st century, emerald deposits are being developed in Australia, Norway, Madagascar, India and Pakistan. Geologists have noted that a Stellera dwarf flower always grows above beryl deposits - an indicator of precious treasures.
Interesting historical facts
In Ancient Egypt, emeralds were considered a symbol of eternal life. The Egyptian magician Hermes Trismegistus is said to have carved on a clear emerald tablet words that held the key to magic: “As above, so below!” For this reason, emerald has always been considered a magical stone that connects the cosmic and earthly realms, and has also been used to make wishes come true.
This mineral has the ability to make a person an eloquent speaker. Aristotle, a great admirer of the gemstone, wrote that owning an emerald increases the owner's importance during business negotiations, gives victory in legal proceedings and helps settle legal disputes.
The Egyptians used the stone to improve vision, and the Greeks and Romans inserted small emeralds into the corners of the eyes of those who were nearsighted or farsighted. Emperor Nero was well known for observing the exploits of gladiators through emerald glasses.
In Jewish history, emerald is mentioned in the Book of Exodus as the fourth stone in the breastplate of the high priest. The legend also describes the mineral as one of the four precious stones given by God to King Solomon, giving him power over the entire world.
Emerald has always been considered an antidote to poison, poisonous bites and was taken as an elixir that cures all diseases, especially dysentery. The Roman historian Pliny says that if a snake fixes its gaze on an emerald stone, it becomes blind.
Application area
This rare, exquisite mineral inspires jewelers to create luxurious jewelry - necklaces, earrings, rings. Professional esotericists purchase nuggets cut into a sphere to foresee the future in a grassy glow. The properties of emerald - heat resistance and good thermal conductivity - in the tips of solid-state lasers give incredibly accurate results. Smaragd is partially used in space instruments.
Colors and varieties
The characteristic green color, varying from light to dark herbaceous-coniferous shades, has become a household word, metaphorically denoting beauty and uniqueness in poetry and fiction.
The palette radiates with a blue, orange tint depending on the deposits and varieties of the crystal:
- Brazilian – light green-golden with a six-pointed star and a “cat’s eye” effect;
- Zimbabwean - small, the color of spring grass with a yellowish tint;
- Zambian - cold coniferous color with a blue sheen, two shades darker than Colombian, yellowness is rare;
- South African - cloudy green, light;
- Ural - saturated with chromium, iron, matte birch leaf color, often affected by black inclusions;
- South American "trapiche" - six light petals on a blackish background;
- Colombians are transparent, bright green, with a center marked by snowflakes shooting out six long rays.
Color directly affects the cost of jewelry. Juicy shades with defects are valued at 5-10 times more expensive than pale shades without cracks.
Features of the stone
Emerald is one of the most expensive stones. Pure examples of rich shades of green without inclusions weighing 5 carats or more usually cost more than diamonds. From the point of view of jewelry, transparent stones are ideal, in which the color is evenly distributed over the surface. Natural stones often have various inclusions and cracks and may be cloudy.
The emerald cut is most often used when processing stone. Other popular options include:
· “Cabochon”, “Heart”;
· “Ball”, “Princess”;
· “Marquis”, “Drop”.
The beauty of the stones is well emphasized by a frame made of white or yellow gold. Gold rings with emeralds are a true jewelry classic. The vibrancy of the dark green color is evident in the platinum frame.
Emeralds form spectacular combinations in tandem with diamonds, garnets and rubies. Models with one large emerald surrounded by a small scattering of diamonds look very elegant.
Magic properties
The ability of the emerald stone to absorb aggression, despondency, laziness, drive away obsessive thoughts, fears, and attract wealth was considered by mystics to be invaluable magical properties that help one become like King Solomon - a wise man, possessing treasures, surrounded by love.
If you wear the amulet without taking it off for three months, improvements in the owner’s character will become obvious to others - calmness, confidence in conversation, and charisma will appear. Emerald opens the radiance of the heart chakra, removing blocks, unwinding the power of the energy of love, attracting lovers suitable to a person’s aura. Healed Anahata bestows a positive worldview, strengthens energy protection, repelling the arrows of evil.
Thanks to the magical properties of light green emerald, a voluntary desire to remain faithful to the chosen one is awakened, temptations are rejected in favor of family values:
- working for the benefit of the family, increasing capital;
- creative development together with loved ones, children;
- resolving conflicts, quarrels, disagreements;
- getting rid of alcoholism, smoking, drugs;
- protecting your home from thieves, two-faced guests, and envious people;
- harmonization of karmic problems of the family;
- liberation from the crown of celibacy, curses, damage.
The mineral, sensing betrayal, becomes covered with cracks, and if the owner’s life is threatened, it splits into two parts. Worn on the little finger it reveals the gift of eloquence, on the neck - clairvoyance, on the middle finger - protects against natural disasters. When attacked, snakes put forward a sparkling stone - the reptile will be hypnotized.
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The mystical origin of a crystal hidden in the depths of the earth awakens the creative activity of the subconscious: inspiration appears, new ideas that require immediate implementation, sponsors ready to support financially. Goethe wore a ring with an emerald, creating immortal works; Leonardo da Vinci wrote with a pen decorated with green sparkles.
Emerald stone: who is suitable according to the zodiac sign
If in a personal natal chart there is a weak position of Mercury in Pisces, Capricorn, Scorpio, and Venus is constrained by a position in Virgo and Capricorn, then sparkling beryl will support the planets, igniting the fire of passion, eloquence, and the desire to leave a memory for posterity with glorious achievements.
Emerald stone properties are suitable for honest, noble altruists. Even corresponding to the astrological sign of the zodiac, an envious owner who shows deceit and meanness will be mercilessly punished, returning the negative in full.
The Mercury vibrations of the magical mineral will support the 9 zodiac signs connected to friendly planets, helping to strengthen the positive qualities of character and attract missing benefits:
- Taurus - a ring on the middle finger will strengthen the will, protect against intriguers, grant beloved stability in relationships and financial income, and increase physical attractiveness.
- Gemini stones with a blue tint will calm a restless mind, give composure, and the ability to think quickly. make the right decisions, nonsense will be eliminated. The restless sign will finally begin to make the right decisions, stopping quarreling over trifles.
- Cancer – blue Zambian crystal will strengthen the aura, heal mental wounds, relieve excessive sensitivity, and impart optimism. Emotional outbursts will stop, optimism will appear, and the ability to create family happiness will appear.
- Leo - on the index finger will highlight the leadership principle, tempering the inflated ego, will give the love of others, helping to remain a cheerful, generous defender of the weak. Suddenly, a strong-willed life partner will appear nearby.
- Virgo - the amulet will support the career aspirations of men, helping to become charmingly charismatic, witty, earn millions, not forgetting about spiritual development. Women are awakened by an exorbitant thirst for self-improvement, which psychologically torments the owners. It is better for girls to wear jewelry for a couple of hours in the form of a tiara or earrings.
- Libra - trapiche, Brazilian star crystals materialize dreams of creative success; talismans are especially favorable for actors, artists, writers - they will help you live on positivity, inspiration, easily monetizing ideas.
- Sagittarius - bluish shades on the index finger will attract good luck, moderate impulsiveness, and replace rudeness with the art of diplomacy, warding off temptations. Material well-being will increase significantly.
- Aquarius – Colombian beryls will fill you with energy and cheerfulness. They will establish harmony of mental and physical desires, ward off misfortune and accidents, remove bad inclinations and talkativeness.
- Pisces will control empathy, intuition, and turn to clairvoyance. By focusing on the inner fire, emeralds will be able to love despite obstacles, achieve goals, getting rid of apathy and sadness.
The magic of emerald connects the wearer with the family chain, filling it with the power of the ancestors, allowing them to receive information from the Subtle World.
General characteristics of emerald
In modern sources on lithotherapy, this mineral is recommended for those born in the month of May. There is some truth in these words, because emerald is associated with Venus, the ruler of Taurus. Moreover, the energy of this planet is manifested in this mineral in its purest and noblest form. Emerald enhances its owner’s craving for beauty, develops creativity and aesthetic taste. This stone is good for people whose profession requires creativity, who are engaged in the field of applied arts (design, architecture, fine arts). It emphasizes the sophistication and feminine charm of the lady wearing it. Men develop gallantry, the ability to speak beautifully and care.
Awakens the desire for family happiness in those people who until this time were focused exclusively on their careers. Emerald is able to attract new romantic acquaintances into the life of its owner. But, since this stone can be called the patron of family happiness, it should be used by those people who are committed to a serious relationship. For a large amount of non-binding flirting, it is worth using other minerals, for example, aventurine, coral, topaz.
Emerald is associated with the element of Water; it is not for nothing that sailors considered it their main talisman. In symbolic language, the connection of stone with Water emphasizes its influence on our emotions, awakening sensuality and responsiveness. This mineral will help people who find it difficult to express their feelings, who tend to value intellect above emotions. Emerald enhances the work of the imagination, inspires its owner to make himself, his home, and the life around him more beautiful. If you are tired of gray everyday life and don’t know how to diversify your own life, take a closer look at this mineral, say lithotherapists. With him, a person finds new interests and hobbies.
Medicinal properties
Ancient healers believed that emerald, kept under the tongue for an hour every day, relieves psoriasis, stuttering, eczema, and diphtheria. The mineral powder was added to wine as an antidote, to ointments for a healing and rejuvenating effect, healing from cataracts and blindness. Lithotherapists assure that the emerald stone is endowed with healing properties that strengthen vision if you meditate for 15 minutes, holding it before your eyes.
Inside the golden frame, which enhances the healing effect, in contact with the skin, it heals:
- hypertension, headaches, dizziness;
- weather dependence, depression, insomnia;
- epilepsy, heart pain;
- infertility, frigidity, sexual impotence;
- chronic fatigue, bladder inflammation;
- diabetes, tendency to overeat.
By receiving the support of luminous beryl, it is impossible to get sick. The immune system resists viruses, fears and anxieties go away. Pregnant women calmly bear healthy babies and forget about toxicosis. Facial massage with a crystal preserves youth, and water infused with it is drunk to cleanse the body and washed to remove negativity.
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Who is not suitable for emerald?
Mars, the patron planet of the constellations Aries and Scorpio, does not combine with Mercury. Representatives of the signs should not wear jewelry with emerald: there will be a conflict of energies, an explosion of emotions, a nervous breakdown. The soul of emerald is gentle and noble, cannot stand the rudeness of the aggressive characters of Aries and Scorpios. Astrologers do not recommend it to Capricorns: they are too stubborn, proud, reserved, and it is difficult for the stone to reach the depths of the heart of such an owner in order to open it and fill it with warmth.
What to wear with an emerald ring
An emerald ring will harmoniously complement any look. It can be worn both in everyday life and on special occasions. This stone is very self-sufficient. There is no need to specially emphasize it. The ring can be worn under an elegant evening or cocktail dress or business suit. At the same time, it is better to keep your wardrobe and jewelry in the same style - wear a ring of a classic design with clothes of strict tailoring, but modern emerald rings and rings can be worn with the most daring outfits.
Emerald rings go perfectly with thin chains and bracelets, but you should avoid other massive jewelry. You should not wear a large set of jewelry at the same time. For example, if you have a set of ring, bracelet, earrings and chain, break it up and combine two pieces of jewelry, for example, a ring and a bracelet.
How to spot a fake
Fraudsters pass off ennobled tinted chrysolites, tourmalines, and cubic zirconias as precious crystals. Gemologists advise to beware of buying a “doublet,” when a thin layer of stone is glued onto a cheap base.
Imitation is recognized by examining the product through a magnifying glass from the side. Other fakes have suspicious features:
- too pale color or obvious bottle glass tint;
- deliberately glossy shine (reveals varnishing with a chemical substance);
- rounded cut corners without signature quadrangular engraving;
- absence of inclusions, cracks at a price lower than usual;
- color change to a yellow-brown sheen when lighting changes.
Artificial nano-emerald is obtained in laboratory conditions using hydrothermal methods. Natural mineral powder dissolved in liquid is heated at 600 degrees Celsius, then planted on substrates for growth. Experts enhance the natural shade, but also add fancy shades of red and blue.
What to look for when choosing
Under the guise of emerald, synthetic stones, doublets and triplets, as well as imitations can be inlaid into rings. High-quality imitation stones, grown in a laboratory using a geothermal synthesis process, have properties comparable to natural emeralds. However, stones of natural origin are of great value - they do not deteriorate when exposed to sunlight and are not susceptible to scratches.
· In ultraviolet rays, real emeralds acquire a brownish-red hue. But this method will not help identify imitation stones, since they also glow under the influence of UV rays.
· Duplexes and triplexes, consisting of several stones, can be distinguished by inclusions at the gluing points. Natural emeralds are not layered.
· When viewed from different angles, the emerald has a green-blue color; sometimes golden shades can be visible.
· The authenticity of high-quality large-sized emeralds is necessarily confirmed by gemological certificates.
· Inside natural stones there are cloudiness and inclusions: scratches, abrasions, microcracks.
How to wear and care
Luxurious necklaces and long earrings with stones larger than 1 cm are worn at social events, receptions of high-status guests, and film festivals. Smaragd, surrounded by diamonds, suits mature, confident, sexy women. For young girls and mid-level office workers, silver stud earrings and thin platinum rings with minerals up to 1 carat are suitable. Precious beryl harmonizes with cool and white colors of clothing.
Clean jewelry once a month with a weak solution of soapy water and wipe with a cotton cloth. It is better to entrust the restoration of the oil layer to jewelers. At home, wipe the surface every six months with olive or peach oil.
How to choose the right emerald ring
The authenticity of the stone is the main selection criterion. You should make purchases only in trusted stores that can confirm the quality with appropriate certificates. As for the shape of the jewelry, the size of the stone and other characteristics, it all depends on who the jewelry is intended for:
- if a girl has short fingers, preference should be given to rings with inserts in the shape of a pear or a drop;
- for chubby fingers, rings with asymmetry are suitable;
- if a girl has wide hands, choose rings with oval-cut emeralds;
- girls with short fingers should wear rings with small gems.
