Emerald is known to be one of the four valuable gemstones of the Earth, along with diamonds, rubies, and sapphires.

Emerald is defined by its distinguishable transparent and deep green color. To be an emerald, it must have a distinctively green color that falls in the range from bluish green to green to slightly yellowish green. 

Emerald is the green gemstone variety of a mineral, Beryl which has a chemical composition of Be3Al2(SiO3)6. When pure, beryl is colourless. Trace amounts of chromium or vanadium in the mineral cause beryl to develop a green color. 

How are emeralds formed?

Emerald crystals grow one molecule at a time. Each molecule is positioned in the crystal matrix under optimum conditions. Sufficient time and space are required to allow a gem-quality crystal to grow. 

The natural emeralds that are being mined today are relics of geologic events that took place hundreds of millions of years ago, deep in the Earth’s crust.

Why are emeralds rare?

Beryl is a rare mineral because beryllium occurs in very small amounts in the Earth’s crust. It is unusual for enough beryllium to be present in one location to form minerals. The conditions where beryllium is present in significant amounts vary from the conditions where chromium and vanadium are expected (which gives it a green color). The lack of simultaneous occurrence of these substances makes the emerald a rare gem. This is why they are only found in a small number of locations.

Where are emeralds found?

Today, a majority of the world’s emerald is mined from Colombia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, and Brazil. 

Minor mining pockets exist in Madagascar, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Canada, and Russia. They contribute to irregular and miniscule production of emeralds.

Emeralds from Colombia, Zambia, and Brazil are the most sought-after for their deep color and clarity. The color may vary from each mine depending on the substance that adds to its color. In reality, the emeralds may be colored by more than one element, making it difficult to predetermine the color. A combination of chromium, vanadium, and iron can create a vast palette of colors that the emeralds may receive. The emeralds mined a few miles from each other may sometimes have different hues.

The color of the emeralds

The primary factor determining the value of an emerald is its color. Emeralds are
typically graded on their tone, hue, and, saturation of color. While the color evaluation is subjective, it is most commonly graded as AAA, AA, A, B, and C.

This green-colored gem may have undertones of yellow, blue and sometimes, even brown. The emeralds that range from bluish-green to pure green are the most sought-after. A vivid color saturation with a medium green tone (neither too dark nor too light) makes them desirable. The even distribution of the green color across the entire gemstone is also an important factor. It ensures that the emerald looks splendid from all angles.

An Emerald is usually evaluated facing up without any magnification. It can be viewed and titled from different angles to determine if it possesses a pure green color.

Emerald’s cut

Apart from the color, the main factor determining an emerald’s quality and beauty is its cut. Rough emeralds emerge in many shapes and sizes. They are, then, extracted from the mineral. After various considerations, the stone is cut either by a machine or by a skilled craftsman.

Emeralds can be cut in a variety of shapes. There are some shapes that are predominantly common like round, emerald, princess, and cushion.

The Inclusions

During the emerald growth process, it develops natural inclusions. These are typically referred to as “Jardin”, a French word for gardens. These inclusions indicate the genuity of the emerald and make it interesting. They validate that the emerald occurred naturally and wasn’t created in a laboratory.

Healing properties

Emerald is directly related to the planet Mercury. Emeralds possess healing properties along with protective qualities. They nurture complete stimulation and restoration of the mind, spirit, and, body. It is used to symbolize renewal and growth. Wearing this stone allows the bearer to possess increased energy levels, better communication skills and to become more creative.

Caring for Emerald

Emerald is a sensitive stone and must be cleaned with caution. It should not be exposed to harsh chemicals or ultrasonic cleaning. It is best to clean it with mild soap and lukewarm water. It should only be cleaned when needed.