Emerald
Emerald is the May birthstone – and it’s a perfect choice. Its enchanting greens mirror the splendor of spring. Few places on earth have the geological conditions needed to produce the coveted May birthstone. Widely regarded as the definition of green, emerald is the perfect color for spring. From the poetic description of Ireland as “the Emerald Isle” to the vibrant green of the famed gemstone, the May birthstone has captured hearts and minds through the ages. Seattle, in the US state of Washington, is the Emerald City. Thailand’s most sacred religious icon is called the Emerald Buddha, even though it is carved from green jadeite.
Definition:
Emerald is the green to greenish blue variety of beryl, a mineral species that also includes aquamarine as well as beryls in other colors. Variations of this rich green color suggest soothing, lush gardens. The word “emerald” comes from “smaragdos”, ancient Greek for a green gem. Roman author Pliny the Elder, who died in the 79 CE eruption of Mount Vesuvius, wrote in his encyclopedic “Natural History” that “nothing greens greener.” He also stated that the May birthstone had therapeutic properties that helped gem cutters: “(they) have no better method of restoring their eyes than by looking at the emerald, its soft, green color comforting and removing their weariness and lassitude.” Science now proves this believe as the color green will relieve stress and eye strain.
The History of Emerald:
From Egyptian pharaohs to Inca emperors, emerald has enchanted royalty. The first known emerald mines were in Egypt, dating from at least 3300 BC into the 1700s. Cleopatra was known to have a passion for emerald and used it in her royal adornments.
During the 16th century when Spanish explorers invaded the New World, the Incas had already been using emeralds in their jewelry and religious ceremonies for 500 years. The legendary Crown of the Andes, fashioned in colonial South America, is one example of how the Spanish revered the May birthstone. According to lore, the largest stone – now called the Atahualpa Emerald – was taken from the last Inca Emperor, Atahualpa, by conquistador Francisco Pizarro. The emerald and gold treasures recovered from the sunkin 17th century Spanish galleon “Nuestra Senora de Atocha” represent a small fraction of the colonial riches sent to Spain from the New World.
Legend also states that emerald was one of the four precious stones given by God to King Solomon. These four stones were said to have endowed the king with power over all creation.
Symbolism:
Emerald has been beloved for millennia, evoking rebirth and renewal. Legend has it that emerald has the power to make its wearer more intelligent and quick-witted, and it was once believed to cure diseases like cholera and malaria. This green gemstone was also thought to have magical powers. By placing it under the tongue, one could see into the future. Also, it was used to reveal truth and would protect one against evil spells. Some believed it made one an eloquent speaker and exposed lovers who made false promises.
Emerald ensures physical, emotional, and mental equilibrium. It enhances psychic abilities, opens clairvoyance, and stimulates gathering wisdom. Traditionally, emerald was said to protect from enchantment and the ploys of magicians, and to foretell the future. Psychologically, emerald gives the strength of character to overcome the misfortunes of life. It imparts mental clarity, strengthens memory, inspires a deep inner knowing, and broadens vision. As a wisdom stone, it promotes discernment and truth.
The landscape of the Muzo region of Colombia
Location:
Colombia has been the source of the finest emeralds for more than 500 years, and Colombian Emeralds are the standard by which all others are measured. Three mining sites in Colombia are particularly noteworthy: Muzo, Chivor and Coscuez. Each locality produces a range of colors but, generally speaking, darker tones of pure green emeralds come from Muzo. Emeralds that are lighter in tone and slightly blueish green are associated with Chivor. Slightly yellowish green emeralds are unearthed in Coscuez.
The May birthstone is also found in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. One of the most productive sites for the green birthstone is the sophisticated Belmont mine. Capoeirana is another important locality, a rugged region worked largely by independent miners and small scale operations.
The May birthstone can also be found in Africa. Zambia is a major source, and mines in the Ndola Rural Restricted Area are known for producing emeralds that are blueish green and darker in tone. Pakistan and Afghanistan are also important producers.
Care & Cleaning:
Emerald is a 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, so it is more susceptible to scratching than a diamond, which is a 10 on the scale. This birthstone is often treated to improve its color and clarity. Common treatments are Dyeing and/or Fracture Filling with oils, waxes, and artificial resins. These different substances have varying degrees of stability.
The emerald birthstone requires some special care: Avoid exposure to heat, changes in air pressure (such as in an airline cabin) and harsh chemicals. Never put an emerald in an ultrasonic cleaner, as the vibrations and heat can cause the filler to sweat out fractures. Filled emeralds can also be damaged by exposure to hot water used for washing dishes. The safest way to clean emeralds is to gently scrub them with a soft brush and lukewarm soapy water.
Why We Love This Gemstone
Three-Phase Inclusions: Three-Phase Inclusions in Colombian emeralds contain tiny crystals of rock salt, liquid, and a bubble of gas.
Hexagonal Crystals: The best emerald crystals are gorgeous flat-topped green hexagonal columns that are as beautiful as faceted stones.
Ancient Egypt: The first known emerald mines were in Egypt. It is believed that these mines were worked as early as 3500 BC.
Emerald has been the standard for green colored stones for millennia.
COLOR
The most desirable emerald colors are blueish green to pure green, with vivid color saturation.
CLARITY
In emeralds, expect to see inclusions
that dealers like to call
an internal “jardin”, or garden.
CUT
Due to the crystal shape, emeralds are commonly cut as rectangular step
cuts called emerald cuts.
CARAT
Because its density is
lower, a one-carat emerald will appear larger in size than a one-carat diamond.