Emerald

Emerald Stone Meaning and History

Emerald has held a mystical allure throughout history, captivating the attention of royalty from Egyptian pharaohs to Inca emperors. Cleopatra, renowned for her affinity for luxurious adornments, famously adorned herself with emerald jewelry. The legendary Crown of the Andes, crafted in colonial South America, stands as a testament to the reverence for this precious stone by the Spanish. Legend surrounds the largest stone from this crown, now known as the Atahualpa emerald, purportedly taken from the last Inca emperor, Atahualpa, by the conquistador Francisco Pizarro. The treasures of emeralds and gold recovered from the sunken 17th-century Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de Atocha offer a glimpse into the vast colonial riches transported from the New World to Spain.

The term "emerald" derives from "smaragdos," ancient Greek for a green gem. Roman author Pliny the Elder, in his encyclopedic Natural History, described the emerald as "nothing greens greener," extolling its vibrant hue. Pliny also attributed therapeutic properties to the emerald, believed to alleviate eye strain and fatigue among gem cutters. Modern science validates this belief, as the color green is known to reduce stress and relieve eye strain.

Emerald was also ascribed with mystical qualities, believed to grant its wearer the ability to foresee the future by placing it under the tongue. Some even believed it bestowed eloquence upon its wearer and revealed the deceit of false lovers.

Where is Emerald Found?

For over 500 years, Colombia has stood as the premier source of the finest emeralds, setting the standard against which all others are measured. Three prominent mining sites in Colombia—Muzo, Chivor, and Coscuez—have garnered recognition. While each locality yields emeralds in a variety of hues, Muzo typically produces darker tones of pure green emeralds. Chivor is associated with lighter tones and slightly bluish-green hues, whereas Coscuez yields emeralds with a slightly yellowish-green tint.

Brazil's state of Minas Gerais also boasts significant emerald deposits, with the sophisticated Belmont mine being one of the most productive sites. Capoeirana stands as another noteworthy locality, predominantly worked by independent miners and small-scale operations amidst rugged terrain.

Africa contributes to the global emerald supply, with Zambia emerging as a major source. Mines in the Ndola Rural Restricted Area of Zambia are renowned for producing emeralds characterized by bluish-green hues and darker tones. Additionally, Pakistan and Afghanistan play pivotal roles as significant producers of this exquisite gemstone.

Emerald Stone Care and Cleaning

Emerald ranks 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, making it more susceptible to scratching compared to diamond, which ranks 10 on the scale. As the birthstone for May, emeralds are often treated to enhance their color or clarity. Common treatment methods include:

1. Dyeing: Paler emeralds with multiple fractures may be dyed green to enhance their color.

2. Fracture Filling: Oils, waxes, and artificial resins are often used to fill surface-reaching fractures in emeralds. The goal is to reduce the visibility of fractures and improve the apparent clarity. The volume of filler material present can range from minor to significant; the different substances have varying degrees of stability.

Emerald stones require 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 seep out of 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 warm, soapy water.