Emerald is the
official birthstone for May as adopted by the American National
Association of Jewelers in 1912. It is also the birth stone for
the Zodiac sign of Cancer. Emerald is suggested as a gem to give
on the 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries. Emerald is 7.5 - 8
on the Mohs scale of hardness. You may have heard that Emeralds
from Colombia are the very best (and often they are), but
equally fine Emeralds have been mined from such locations as
Zambia, Nigeria, Brazil, Russia or other localities.
Archaeologists have traced the origins of the use of Emerald to
almost 3000 B.C. in both ancient Egypt and India. One 78-carat
Emerald talisman carries the inscription: "He who possesses this
charm shall enjoy the special protection of God."
Click here for a picture in natural form.
Click here for more faceted and natural specimens.
Description:
The wonderful green color of Emerald is unparalleled in the gem
kingdom. Emerald's precious green color is caused by small
amounts of chromium and enhanced by traces of iron. Some
definitions go further, demanding that beryls only be called
Emeralds if they are green and colored primarily by chromium. If
they are not green enough, they are referred to as Green Beryls.
Unlike other Beryls, Emeralds often contain inclusions and other
flaws. These flaws are not looked on as negative aspects for
emerald like they would be for other gemstones. Indeed, these
flaws are considered part of the character of the stone and are
used to assure the purchaser of a natural stone. Emerald gets
its name from the Greek word Greek "smaragdos" meaning "green
gem" from a Semitic word meaning "to shine".
Chemistry:
The formula for Emerald is a variety of Beryl, Be3Al2Si6O18,
Berylium Aluminum Silicate. Emerald is the green variety of the
mineral Beryl. Other gemstone color varieties that belong to
Beryl include Aquamarine, Morganite, and Heliodor. Other colors
of Beryl are simply refered to by their color, such as Red
Beryl. Legends, Myths and
Healing Properties:
Emeralds have been cherished for as long as there has been a
written history. Cleopatra prized her Emeralds more than any
other gem. The Romans also loved Emeralds because, as the
ancient scholar Pliny said, "nothing greens greener." The Moguls
of India loved Emeralds so much they inscribed them with sacred
text and wore them as talismans. The Emerald enhances love,
brings eloquence, gaiety, and popularity. Emeralds are also
believed to brings strength, especially in old age and enhance
courage in times of trial and emotional distress. If you seek to
improve your memory and predict the future, legend prescribes
the Emerald. |
|
){kind=link}