Emerald Gemstone: Unveiling its Significance, Applications, and Value

Emerald, or jade as it’s commonly known, has captivated people for centuries with its rarity and the sense of luxury and sophistication it bestows upon its owner. Let’s delve into the characteristics, meanings, and properties of this fascinating gemstone!

1 Exploring Emeralds

What is Emerald? Its Origin

Emerald, the Queen of Gems

Emerald, with the scientific name Emerald, is likened to the Queen of Gems due to its rarity and exquisite beauty. Naturally occurring emeralds possess a distinctive green hue, symbolizing spring, love, and fertility.

These precious stones are predominantly sourced from Columbia, in the Minero River Valley near the “Ring of Fire”, as well as Russia and Brazil. They are typically found in volcanic regions.

Formation of Emeralds

The distinctive green color of emeralds is derived from a mineral called Beryl, which can also be found in other stones such as mica and limestone.

Chemically, emeralds comprise beryllium, aluminum, oxygen, and silicon. As water or magma cools, these elements combine to form hexagonal Beryl crystals.

Columbian emeralds are renowned worldwide for their exceptional quality. The color and size of emeralds can vary depending on their country of origin.

Methods of Emerald Treatment

Emeralds are commonly cut and polished into rectangular or tiered shapes. Smaller emeralds may be shaped into round, oval, droplet, or watermelon-seed forms.

The Value and Color of Emeralds

The Value and Color of Emeralds

Emeralds exhibit a range of green shades, from pure green to a bluish-green tint. Gemologists categorize emeralds into three main quality levels based on color and impurities:

• Natural AAA Level: These emeralds are rare, comprising only about 10% of all emeralds. They boast a deep green color and medium to small purity.
• Natural AA Level: Accounting for 20-30% of emeralds, these stones have a medium green color and moderate impurities.
• Natural A Level: Making up 50-75% of all emeralds, these stones are typically opaque with significant impurities.

2 The Symbolism and Properties of Emeralds

The Positive Symbolism of Emeralds

The Symbolism of Emeralds

Beyond their aesthetic appeal and rarity, emeralds hold significant symbolic value in feng shui:

• They attract good fortune and prosperity while warding off negative energies.
• Emeralds boost self-confidence and empower individuals to face life’s challenges head-on.
• These stones enhance the romance and intimacy between couples.
• They foster better relationships within families, friendships, and professional circles.
• Emeralds are considered protective talismans, bringing peace and tranquility to their owners.

The Properties of Emeralds

Health Benefits

The Positive Energies of Emeralds

Formed deep within the earth over millennia, emeralds are believed to absorb and transmit positive energies. They offer the following health benefits:

• Relieve fatigue and stress when worn regularly.
• Possess healing properties for sinus issues and are thought to detoxify the liver, blood, and heart.
• Help manage the symptoms of epilepsy.
• Reduce digestive problems and mitigate the harmful effects of computer radiation.

High-End Jewelry

Emerald Jewelry Exudes Class and Sophistication

Emeralds are not just energy transmitters; they are also highly valued in the fashion industry for their elegance and refinement. Each emerald is unique, exuding a powerful allure and a sense of perfection. Wearing emerald jewelry helps individuals express their distinct personalities and discover their true worth.

3 How to Distinguish Real from Fake Emeralds

Authenticating Emeralds

Use a Jeweler’s Loupe

To identify flaws in an emerald, examine it under a 10x jeweler’s loupe. If possible, position the loupe to direct a thin beam of light onto the gemstone at an oblique angle. Tiny imperfections or uneven streaks indicate that the stone is likely genuine, although it may not be an emerald. If the stone appears clear and has minimal impurities, it could be a synthetic (lab-created but real) emerald or a different type of gemstone.

Check for Wear and Tear

Glass and other materials tend to wear down quickly, so soft, rounded edges may indicate a fake emerald. Imitations often have a bumpy texture and slightly curved outline.

Consult a Jeweler

If you have any doubts, take the gemstone to a jewelry expert for a professional assessment.

4 Caring for Your Emeralds

Proper Cleaning Methods for Emeralds

To maintain the beauty of your emeralds, clean them with cold water and a soft-bristled brush. Avoid using hot water or steam, as this could cause the stones to crack. Despite their Mohs hardness of 7.5-8, which indicates resistance to scratches, handle your emeralds with care to prevent damage from impacts.

5 Frequently Asked Questions about Emeralds

How much do emeralds cost?

Emeralds are one of the four most valuable gemstones, surpassed only by diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. The larger the stone, the more precious it is. A top-quality emerald can fetch $40,000 to $90,000 per carat. Various factors influence the price, such as brand, weight, color, and purity.

Which birth signs should wear emeralds?

Emeralds Suit People of the Wood and Fire Elements

The captivating green hue of emeralds aligns with the Wood and Fire elements in feng shui. Here’s a breakdown of which birth signs should wear emeralds:

• Individuals born under the Wood element signs (Aquarius, Pisces, and Aries) are well-suited to emeralds as their element is represented by the color green.
• Those born under the Fire element signs (Leo, Sagittarius, and Scorpio) can benefit from wearing emeralds as Wood fuels Fire, bringing good luck and prosperity.
• However, individuals born under the Earth element signs (Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn) should refrain from wearing emeralds as Wood (represented by green) conflicts with Earth.

Are synthetic emeralds considered fake?

Synthetic emeralds are laboratory-created and closely resemble natural stones in structure. They can be mass-produced, and when examined under a microscope, they exhibit no bubbles or cracks. However, their green color is not as vibrant as that of natural emeralds. In terms of value, synthetic emeralds are significantly more affordable than their natural counterparts.

Which is more expensive, emerald or diamond?

Emeralds are approximately 20 times rarer than diamonds, making them generally more expensive.

We hope you found this guide to the characteristics, symbolism, and properties of emeralds informative. May these precious stones bring you good health and prosperity!