Emerald description of the mineral photo color. The magical and healing properties of emerald Mineral emerald description

Emerald is one of the most famous gemstones in human society. He was repeatedly sung and mentioned in various cultures; a large number of myths and tales are associated with him.

Geologically, natural emerald is a type of beryl that has green hues that are occasionally combined with blue. It is the color scheme of the stone that contributes to its high value, which often leaves diamonds behind. Since ancient times, this gem was considered a symbol of wisdom and hope. And in ancient Greece it was called the stone of radiance.

Description of the stone

The very name "emerald" refers to a specific type of beryl - aquamarine, which has a green tint. From here comes the second name of the stone - "green ice". The greenness in the structure is due to the presence of a small amount of chromium.

The characteristics and properties of emeralds are largely determined by this proportion of chromium. Scientists have long established that some types of emeralds contain vanadium, which plays the role of chromium. Since this discovery, vanadium has been found in many deposits. The parameters of the stone depend on the location.

The density of emeralds in Colombia and Siberia is about 2.712 on average. The stones lying on the Brazilian expanses have a reduced density (2,670). And in southern Africa, on the contrary, this figure is overestimated - up to 2.770. The high density is due to the presence in the structure of metals such as cesium and rubidium. These alkaline compounds have a positive effect on the parameter under consideration.

It is easy to distinguish an emerald from a mass of various similar stones - its peculiarity lies in its purity and transparency. According to its strength indicators, it is among the leaders. Moreover, geologists believe that the hardness of the stone continues to increase. And the transparency of the structure attracts the attention of connoisseurs of natural beauty and serves as the main criterion that raises the value of the stone.

Together with the diamond, the emerald (also the ruby) is one of the most expensive stones. Stones that are clean, faceted and have no visible defects in structure and shape are especially highly valued. The optimal weight for connoisseurs is 6 carats. The cost of such copies sometimes goes beyond imaginable limits!

Bright green color with bluish tints. Deep green stones have a higher price. The ancient Greeks called the emerald “the stone of radiance”. In Russia, they believed that the mineral has the ability to endow its owner with wisdom, fortitude, tranquility, and instill hope.

Emerald color

A real emerald can be extremely green in color.

Colombian Trapiche Emerald

The most beautiful are Colombian minerals, which are distinguished by a deep herbaceous shade. Also in this country, unique emeralds of the "trapiche" variety are mined. From the core of these amazing gems, six veins of dark color diverge, forming even edges like a flower.

Zambian emerald has a rich green color

Zambian emeralds are considered the most crystal clear. They are much darker than the minerals from Colombia, but have a flawless green color. Although there are specimens with a bluish tint.

Minerals with an original yellowish tint are widely mined in Zimbabwe. Green stones with yellow tints are the most popular in jewelry making.

Main deposits

There are very few deposits of high quality emeralds. They are located in Russia, Brazil, Egypt, Colombia, Venezuela, Panama, Ecuador and Zambia. Also, good quality minerals are mined in the USA, Canada, Western Europe, East Africa, Afghanistan, Cambodia, India, Pakistan, Australia, China, Kazakhstan and the island of Madagascar.

Colombian emeralds

Columbia is the leader in the number of the richest developed deposits. That is why this South American state is called "the land of emeralds." Colombian minerals are worthy of a royal crown, because they not only have a clear and deep color, but also are characterized by the absence of structural defects and foreign inclusions.

Ural gems

Deposits of emeralds in the Urals were discovered in the 19th century.

Ural emerald

Due to the high concentration of iron and chromium in the structure of the stone, the Ural emeralds have a bright green color. This feature distinguishes Russian gems on the world market. The main manufacturer of jewelry with such minerals is Uralskaya Samotsvetnaya Kompaniya LLC. In the manufacture of its products, the company uses unrefined stones, that is, cut without any additional processing. This way the minerals retain their natural appearance.

Artificial emeralds

Hydrothermal emeralds

Artificial or hydrothermal emeralds are grown under laboratory conditions in an aqueous solution by the melt method. These stones are not inferior to their natural counterparts in terms of their structural qualities and jewelry value.

To grow the mineral, a special emerald powder is dissolved in water at a high temperature. Chemicals are added to it to accelerate crystallization. The resulting solution is placed in a cold box for seed, where the mineral begins to grow gradually. As a result, a precious stone with certain properties is born.

The size of the future mineral in the process of its growth can be regulated. For this, the seed must be of the established shape and of the required size. Usually it takes about a month to grow an emerald.

Artificial emeralds, which are not inferior in quality to natural gems, are more affordable for buyers. This makes them very popular with jewelry connoisseurs. However, they do not have all the properties of a natural mineral.

The cost of emeralds

Color is the most important indicator of the value of an emerald

The cost of precious minerals depends on several factors:

• Colour. The most important indicator of a gem's attractiveness. Buyers try to choose jewelry with catchy stones that have a bright and rich shade. The richer the color, the higher the number on the price tag.
• Purity. Depending on whether there are any inclusions inside the mineral, its cost can go down and up. It is better that there are no foreign inclusions in the emerald, although, for example, in amber they even
  preferable, increase the price several times.
• Treatment. Processed minerals cost many times more.
• Cut. Neatly and correctly cut stones have a very high price.
• Size and weight. Large stones are expensive.

How not to be mistaken with the choice of an emerald and distinguish a fake?

The cost of large emeralds is extremely high

Emeralds of large size and high purity are so rare that their price is higher than that of a diamond of the same size. If the stone is purchased for further insertion into jewelry, you should carefully check it for microscopic cracks and other defects. Otherwise, it may split in the frame. For emeralds of different deposits, both yellow-green and bluish-green shades are normal.

How to figure out where the real mineral is, and where is the cheap fake?

• By color. A real emerald always has a deep, rich color. If the mineral is too pale green in color, then it is ordinary beryl. By the way, most of the Chinese jewelry sold in Russia contains just beryl. Emerald is always bright, dark green, and beryl is light, transparent, grayish green.
• On microcracks and inclusions. A real stone is strong, but it is better not to purchase specimens that have cracks visible to the naked eye. Small inclusions are not a strong defect for the mineral. These gems are born in the bowels of the earth at high temperatures, so the presence of gas or liquid bubbles, grains of sand and other foreign bodies makes them unique. If the inclusions are very beautiful and unusual, then such a mineral can cost more than a stone with an ideal shape and color.
• By transparency. No matter how saturated the color, no matter how many inclusions, but a real high-quality emerald should be largely transparent. To reliably check the authenticity of a mineral, you need special equipment and the presence of a specialist.
• For defects. Small imperfections in the cut and structure of a precious mineral that are inaccessible to the naked eye can be checked with a magnifying glass.

Emerald as a talisman

Emerald is able to save its owner from such unpleasant personality traits as hypocrisy, a tendency to cheat, a desire to cheat on a loved one. And if a person wearing a stone as a talisman does not have bad qualities, the mineral generously endows him with luck and good health.

Emerald cleanses its owner's aura

The mineral protects the family hearth, removes from the home any negative energy sent by ill-wishers. Emerald cleans the aura of its owner, promotes the establishment of relationships with loved ones, strengthens family ties, and favors the prolongation of the family.

If a person has good intuition, the stone can enhance this ability. The owner of the emerald becomes receptive to subtle signals sent to the planet from space, comes into contact with otherworldly entities and souls of deceased people.

This stone is extremely sensitive, it will not tolerate when its owner becomes angry and rude. If a piece of jewelry with this mineral is worn for about three months without removing it, it will help the wearer get rid of these unpleasant traits. With the help of the mineral, tender and vulnerable people struggle with feelings, learn to recognize intriguers and deceivers.

The healing properties of emerald

Emerald is able to relieve its owner of pressure problems

Lithotherapy practice confirms that emerald has strong healing properties that can normalize blood pressure, soothe migraines and aching joints, and cure diseases of the genitourinary system and digestive tract. Doctors assure that the stone heals patients from psychological disorders: panic attacks, chronic fatigue and insomnia, sleepwalking and nightmares.

Our ancestors believed that the emerald is so strong that it can fight epilepsy and eye ailments in humans. In addition, this mineral has pronounced disinfecting properties. If the stone is lowered for a while in a container with tap water, you can not boil it and drink it boldly.

The magical properties of the emerald stone for the signs of the zodiac

The emerald will bring maximum benefits to Taurus, Cancer and Gemini

People who want to purchase this mineral will be interested to know which zodiac sign it is the talisman of. The emerald stone will reveal the maximum of its properties for the following signs of the zodiac:, and.

He will help the Gemini sign to mitigate their constant anxiety, incontinence, irascibility, give calmness, equanimity and wisdom, due to the absence of which this zodiac sign is rarely able to make the right decision. The mineral has the ability to restrain talkative Gemini who cannot keep their mouths shut, strengthens their memory, heals heart experiences. Representatives of the sign cease to suffer from their shortcomings, annoy other people with their whining. If a sociable and self-confident representative of the Gemini sign for some reason is unable to communicate, the mineral will help him fight loneliness.

The down-to-earth, nature-loving Taurus will be enchanted by the magnificent green mineral. Representatives of the Taurus sign crave success and honor, with their characteristic slowness and regularity, they can move towards their cherished goal for years, which makes their life overly unhurried and dreary. Emerald will give Taurus life more joy and brightness. The stone will endow this sign of the zodiac with prudence, prudence, ingenuity, which will help to quickly implement all the plans. Thanks to the influence of the mineral, Taurus will be able to count on a worthy reward at the end of life.

More than other signs of the zodiac, the vulnerable and impressionable Cancer needs the properties of a green stone. People belonging to this sign of the zodiac hide their feelings under the mask of indifference, but they suffer deeply in their souls, being alone, not finding support from their relatives. Emerald will give Cancers peace of mind, cure depression. The green gem will teach Cancers to restrain emotions, relieve them of insecurity, shyness, and isolation. This mineral attracts happiness and fun to people, and this is exactly what Cancers need for a fulfilling life and great well-being.

Are you making enough money?

Check if this applies to you:

• there is enough money from paycheck to paycheck;
• the salary is only enough for rent and food;
• debts and loans take away everything that comes with great difficulty;
• all promotions go to someone else;
• you are sure that you are paid too little at work.

You may have been corrupted by money. This amulet will help to remove the lack of money.

Emerald is a class 1 gem. Large emeralds, absolutely defect-free saturated thick tones weighing from 5 carats are more expensive than diamonds. Emerald it is considered ideal in cases where a perfectly transparent stone has an evenly distributed saturated color.

The main criterion for high emerald quality is its color, but transparency comes second. Stones of natural origin almost always have splits and cracks, and only occasionally do they find ideal specimens in all respects, they are very highly valued.

Emeralds come in various color shades - from green-yellow to blue-green, but the main color is necessarily green, sometimes even dark green. The color distribution is almost always uneven, very often the base of the emerald is colored darker than its free end.

The word "emerald" comes from the Persian-Arabic zumurrud and also from the Turkish zümrüt. Previously, in Russian, the word emerald was written as emerald.

Turkish and Arabic words come from the Greek word σμάραγδος, smáragdos, previously used in the languages ​​of the Slavic peoples, which means a green gemstone.

In Europe, the emerald has the following names: in Spain it is called esmeralda, in Germany this stone is called emerald, and in France it is called emerode.

Varieties of emerald

Emerald occurs naturally in various types. Brazilian emerald has a transparent green tint. Quite a rare name for Trapiche, this type has the shape of a wagon wheel with spokes. They are usually found in Colombia.

Another species is called emerald - malachite or euro hit. The next type of emerald is called Vilyuisk or Vesuvian. Also distinguish copper emerald or dioptase, Ural or demantoid and nickel emeralds.

Physical properties of emerald

According to the well-known classification of AE Fersman, the emerald mineral belongs to the first-order gemstones. They also include diamond, ruby, euclase, sapphire, alexandrite, chrysoberyl, and noble spinel.

Emerald is a transparent variety of beryl that has a grassy green color. This color shade is given by vanadium oxide or chromium oxide, very rarely there is an admixture of iron oxide, usually these are South African emeralds. Emeralds are characterized by increased fragility; their hardness ranges from 7.5 to 8 units.

Unlike emerald, it has a hardness of 10.0. Transverse parting, combined with small, thin cracks often found in emeralds, make this mineral very sensitive to pressure and high temperatures. At 700 degrees and above, emeralds easily lose their color, but they are resistant to various reagents and acids.

Emeralds often have various defects. Precious varieties of emeralds very often characterized by the presence of a rather complex network of thin cracks and veins that cut the stone along and across.

Often found and zoned emeralds crystals of which have a longitudinal change in color intensity, usually with a lighter and brighter core, as well as with a transverse alternation of dark and light green zones.

In light emeralds, even without magnifying devices, but by eye, dichroism is clearly visible, that is, a change in the color of the mineral from bluish to yellowish-green, when the crystal rotates.

The very best emeralds contain about 75% of the tone. In addition, a high-quality emerald should be well saturated with color, its shades should be light and bright. Gray is normal.

Only emeralds of the highest reference quality, however, they are often clouded by various inclusions of gas, bubbles and liquid, as well as healed cracks, dotted inclusions of other minerals trapped by emerald crystals during their growth. It is by the mineral composition of the inclusions contained in the emerald that it is determined from which deposit this specimen was mined.

Emerald transparency

Basically, all emeralds contain a large number of inclusions and surface fracture disturbances. Unlike a diamond, the quality of which is judged at 10x magnification, an emerald is judged by eye.

Thus, it turns out that if the emerald does not contain cracks and flaws visible to the eye, of course, provided good visual acuity, then it is considered flawless.

Emerald crystals, which do not have surface disturbances, come across quite rarely, therefore, almost all emeralds are subjected to chemical treatment with various mixtures to give them the most pleasant and beautiful appearance.

The irregularity and unevenness of the shape of the emerald crystals makes it possible to use the cabochon method, instead of the simple one. Emerald cut, which intensifies the color shades, has been developed to avoid chipping of the corners of the gemstone.

The origin of the emerald in nature

Emerald crystals are formed in the process of interaction of acid magma with ultrabasic host rocks; therefore, their deposits are usually caused by zones of greisenization of ultrabasic rocks or phlogopite mica, sometimes emeralds are found in or near pegmatites. However, the best in quality specimens of emeralds found in hydrothermal veins that occur in carbonate - carbonaceous shale.

Alluvial placers of emerald crystals practically not formed, due to the fact that the density of the emerald is close to quartz. Secondary deposits are due only to weathering crusts.

As a result of greisenization processes, in the presence of feldspars and granites, mica of light colors are formed. Such as muscovite or lepidolite.

As a result of this process, the original rocks are transformed into greisens, which are complex rocks containing light mica and quartz.

Greisens are very often saturated with valuable ores and minerals in the form of small inclusions. The choice for the development of the deposit is made, as a rule, in the presence of greisens containing ores of rare colored stones and rare metals.

The greisening process is essential for formation of emeralds... In a large number of deposits discovered on the ground, the formation of emeralds is confined to the presence of phlogopite mica, they are usually formed as a result of the interaction of ultrabasic rocks and high-temperature water solutions.

In Colombia, emerald crystals are found in low-temperature carbonate veins that are adjacent to black bituminous limestones. Quite rarely, small emeralds are formed in the exocontacts of various pegmatites.

Deposits of emeralds

The biggest and richest deposit of emeralds considered Colombia. In recent years, 95% of all emeralds have been mined there. From 2000 to 2010, emerald mining in Colombia increased by 80%. Also, the deposits of this mineral are located in Zambia in the vicinity of the city of Kitwe.

In 2004, about 20% of all emeralds in the world were mined from this deposit, such statistics put Zambia in second place after Colombia in the extraction of emeralds. During the first half of 2011, 3.7 tons of emeralds were mined from the Kagem field.

Emeralds mined in Zambia are considered the best in comparison with Colombian ones, as they are of high and impeccable quality. Deposits of emeralds also available in these countries: Austria, Afghanistan, Australia, Bulgaria, Brazil, China, Cambodia, Canada, Ethiopia, Egypt, Germany, France, Kazakhstan, India, Italy, Namibia, Madagascar, Nigeria, Mozambique, Norway, Russia, Pakistan, Somalia, Spain, South Africa, USA, Switzerland, Zimbabwe and Tanzania.

High quality emeralds quite a rare occurrence. Most of them are found in several deposits: on the coast of the Red Sea, in the Zabara mountains near the city of Kosseir in Egypt, there is a deposit, which, according to the hieroglyphic inscriptions discovered there, was developed in 1650 BC; a deposit of emeralds called Tunja was discovered in 1555 in Colombia; another well-known deposit, located in the town of Muso, in New Granada, which has been developed since 1537.

Emeralds of significantly low quality are mined in Norway, near Lake Mieusen and in its vicinity, in Ireland in the town of Mourn, in Habachtal, in Salzburg Austria. In the Russian Federation, emerald crystals are found 90 km away. northeast of Yekaterinburg on the Tokovaya River.

There is a black mica slate. Also known are emerald deposits at the source of the Bolshaya Refta River. The stones mined in these places are famous for their size. The Bolshaya Refta River is also rich in phenakite and alexandrite.

Under Pharaoh Sesostris III, who ruled about 37 centuries ago, emerald deposits were developed, which gave the world many beautiful specimens. They are located near Aswan, it is 50-65 km. from the Red Sea.

In the hard rocks, the slaves dug mines, the depth of which reached 200 meters. One such mine could hold about 400 people at a time. They believed that the emerald does not like light, so all the work was done in absolute darkness.

Emerald-bearing rock dredged to the surface, then pricked into pieces and smeared abundantly with olive oil, this helped to distinguish and select precious minerals, which the ancient Romans and Greeks called the stones of green radiance.

History of emeralds

In ancient times, they were highly valued by the rulers of India. It is assumed that the builder of the Taj Mahal, the famous Sultan Shah Yahan, wore emeralds as a talisman, they depicted the scriptures.

Most likely, it is because of this that the emerald began to be attributed to the effect on love, because the Taj Mahal is one of the greatest symbols of devotion and love.

The famous report of Juan de Samano, who was the secretary of the great emperor Charles V, indicates that Colombian emeralds were first found in 1525. And this was associated with the first expedition of Diego de Almagro and Francisco Pizarro.

This mineral was also highly valued by ancient cultures. The inhabitants of Babylon were selling emeralds as far back as 4000 BC. The famous emerald deposits belonging to Cleopatra were located in the vicinity of Aswan in Egypt.

For many years it was believed that these deposits were just a fictional history or legend, but in 1818 they were rediscovered in these places. And in the old mines, tools were found that, afterwards, were definitely dated 1300 BC.

By 1530, almost all emerald deposits and mines were known to Europeans. Their number was not large. After the Spanish conquered the territory of Colombia, a large number of emeralds ended up in Europe.

In ancient Egypt, there was the Book of the Dead, in which it was written that the Egyptians received an emerald as a gift from the great god and ruler Thoth. Green color speaks of spring and therefore the emerald was considered a symbol of eternal youth.

The peoples of Egypt called this mineral the stone of the goddess Isis. And they endowed him with the ability to turn dreams into reality, see the past, read minds and predict the future.

It was also assumed that the emerald is able to reward a person with unchanging love and fidelity. He was considered the patron saint of expectant mothers, and the emerald was the best gift for a pregnant woman. In ancient Egyptian jewelry, emeralds were also very popular.

And a huge number of people wanted jewelry to be placed in their tombs after their death. There is a legend about the great emperor Nero, which says that he had a large emerald, which he used as a monocle when he watched the battles of gladiators.

Emerald is a type of green beryl. This gem has been known to mankind since the time of the Sumerian civilization. One of the earliest names for this mineral - the Sanskrit "marakata" - is mentioned in the ancient Indian book Bhagavatapurana, dated about 3100 BC. NS.

In Latin and ancient Greek, the emerald was called "smaragdos" (Latin smaragdus, Greek oiyraubos), which literally means "green stone".

Pliny the Elder wrote in the XXXVII volume of "Natural history": "There are twelve types of emerald, but the most noble of them are Scythian, named after the tribe from which they are found. No other emeralds have a more intense color, and they also have the least flaws. As much as emeralds are more expensive than any precious stones, the Scythian ones are more expensive than other emeralds. The closest to the Scythian in fame are the Bactrian. However, they say that they are smaller than the Scythian size ... "

Initially, in Russian, an unprecedented green gem appears under the name "Izmaragd" in the manuscript "On the Situation of Jerusalem" of the 11th century. Only one document of the 16th century has survived, in which the following is written: "... on the friends of the country, hanging stones ... on the right and sardia, topaz, izmaragd".

However, there is no evidence that anyone in Russia before the beginning of the 15th century. saw an emerald or held it in my hands. The first evidence that this gem found its owner in Russia appears only in the middle of the 15th century. For the first time this stone is mentioned under the name "Emerald": "An icon of gold on an emerald." The document is about the cut gems brought from abroad.

There is evidence that the first emerald of Russian origin was found in 1669 by M.I. Pyliaev in his book "Precious stones" refers to an article published in the "Bulletin of the Geographical Society" in 1860, which says: "In the above-mentioned year [meaning 1669] Dmitry Tumashev arranged above the Murzinskaya settlement on the river. Neiva blast furnace and gave an announcement to the Verkhotursk governor Fyodor Khrushchev that he had found an emery stone on the Neiva, which is suitable for any diamond business, and at the same time announced; two emeralds, three stones with purple sparks and three topaz, and that he found those stones over the river. Neiva to the proximity of the Murzinsk prison ”.

At the end of the 18th century. academician V.M. Severgin in his work "The Kingdom of Fossils" wrote: "... emeralds are found in the Verkhotursky Urals, along the Vagran river."

However, if you follow the official version, the first emerald in Russia was found in 1839 by Maxim Kozhevnikov, a peasant from the Beloyarsk Volost. The find took place in the Yekaterinburg district, on the coast of the Tokovaya river. The aforementioned Peasant was examining the roots of a tree upturned by a storm, and accidentally found green gems in a hole under them.

Since the XIX century. nothing changed. Until now, emeralds in Russia are mined at the only Malyshevsky emerald deposit, which is located near Yekaterinburg.

During the Soviet era, this deposit was of interest mainly as a source of materials for the military industry. Beryllium, tantalum and uranium were mined there, and emeralds were a by-product that was sold abroad. This brought the Soviet Union up to four hundred million dollars a year.

After the collapse of the USSR, in the "troubled 90s", beryllium ceased to interest anyone and the mine changed many owners. Foreigners and criminal circles tried to take over the production, as a result, the work of "Malyshevsky" completely stopped. Activities resumed only after the personal intervention of the President of Russia V.V. Putin.

Although Russian emeralds are not considered high quality and expensive on the world market, there is now hope that jewelry with natural Russian stones will appear in jewelry stores.

The first known emerald deposit was in Egypt. The extraction of green stone lasted from the 300s. BC. up to the 17th century. Before the conquest of America by the Spaniards in the 16th century. Egypt remained the only country supplying emeralds to Europe.

The quality of Egyptian emeralds, the only one known until the 16th century, was extremely low. But even the weakly saturated color and many cracks did not affect the value of these stones. Good, high-quality emeralds appeared in Europe only when the Spaniards found and took away ceremonial jewelry from the Indians of South America. The country where the Indians mined emeralds is now called Colombia. The stones from there are considered the best and most expensive in the world. According to various estimates, from 75 to 90% of all modern emeralds are mined there.

In addition, large deposits of emeralds are located in Zambia, Zimbabwe and Brazil. In small quantities, this gem is found in Austria, Australia, Bulgaria, Germany, Egypt, India, Spain, Italy, China, Kazakhstan, Cambodia, Mozambique, Madagascar, Namibia, Nigeria, Norway, Somalia, USA, Tanzania, France, Switzerland and Ethiopia.

Astrological and medicinal properties of emerald

The Jewelry Industry Council of America and the British National Association of Jewelers have designated emerald as the birthstone for the month of May.

Emerald is a talisman for people born under the sign of Taurus. For a long time, there is a belief that this stone bestows the loyalty of a loved one to its owner. There is also an opinion that green allows its owner to see the future, sharpens intuition.

Another medieval misconception from the same source says the following:

“To heal a person stung by a snake or scorpion, you should mix the emerald with rose water, speak and apply to the wound. The wearer of this stone is also freed from melancholy and hypochondria. "

If with a cure for melancholy and hypochondria - you can somehow agree. Indeed, if someone is given a piece of jewelry with an emerald, then the mood will improve in any case. But it is not worth experimenting with a cure for a snake or scorpion bite with the help of rose water and emerald. Practice says that the faster you apply a modern antidote that is not based on medieval recipes, the higher the likelihood of staying alive.

Bishop Marbod of Rennes (1035-1123), wrote in the "Book of Stones" (XII century) that emerald cures fever and relieves epileptic seizures, endows its owner with supernatural clairvoyance, and also develops many useful properties such as eloquence and exceptional memory.

Saint Epiphanius of Cyprus in the IV century. in the book "Twelve. Gems from Aaron's vestments ”described the emerald as a gem that resists any magic and any witchcraft. He argued that no magic and witchcraft are possible if this stone is somewhere nearby.

The green gem has been considered at all times as a healing stone that promotes relaxation and tranquility. In the Middle Ages, it was believed that emerald can protect against malaria, cholera, dysentery, help newborns survive, prevent epileptic seizures and insomnia.

It is widely believed that emerald has a positive effect on vision. One of the medieval recipes says: "... to strengthen the vision (the light of the eyes), rub the emerald well on the porphyry and, after mixing it with saffron, apply it to the eyes." Leaving this statement on the conscience of the author, it should nevertheless be noted that the positive effect of the emerald on vision was noted by many ancient scientists.

Pliny the Elder mentions XXXVII in Natural History. 16 that the emperor Nero watched the battles of the gladiators through a huge emerald. This emerald has haunted historians for many centuries. There is a version that this stone is because this stone is still kept in the storerooms of the Vatican Museum. Other scientists insist that it was not an emerald, but a huge chrysolite or even simple green glass.

Emerald color and price

The influence of shades and the smallest nuances of color on the price of an emerald is very significant. Color is so important that all other characteristics are often neglected, even purity. High quality emeralds are bluish-green and green stones. Any deviation in hue from this range translates this gem into a cheaper variety - green beryl.

Russia has its own standard for assessing the quality of emeralds: TU 95 335-88. The definitions used in this standard are not used anywhere else in the world.

The color of the emerald according to TU 95 335-88 belongs to one of five groups:

• Group 1 - dark green.
• Group 2 - medium dark green.
• Group 3 - medium green.
• Group 4 - medium light green.
• Group 5 - light green.

The color is determined by comparing the test sample with a reference stone. The most expensive are the colors belonging to groups 1 to 3.

The clarity of an emerald is determined by how the gem is cut. Emeralds cut in cabochons are divided into two categories - K1 and K2, where K1 is the best clarity, and K2 is the worst.

Emeralds with facets are divided into categories G1, G2, G3. Where G1 is the best purity and G3 is the worst.

The first group is emeralds with facets:

Г1 - transparent, inclusions and cracks are rare, barely visible to the naked eye;
G2 - transparent, forming condensations and a network in separate zones of the stone, visible to the naked eye;
G3 - partially lost transparency in the peripheral zone of the stone, forming condensations and a network in the volume of the stone, visible to the naked eye.

The second group includes cabochon-cut emeralds:

K1 - partially lost transparency in the peripheral zone of the stone, forming condensations and a network in the volume of the stone, visible to the naked eye;
K2 - those that have lost transparency in the central zone or in the volume of the stone, forming a dense network in the entire volume of the stone, visible to the naked eye.

If the characteristics of the emerald are not indicated on the jewelry tag, this means that the stone does not match the gem quality in terms of its characteristics and, most likely, does not have the right to be called an emerald. In this case, green beryl is in front of you.

The characteristics of an emerald on the tag of Russian jewelry are indicated as follows.

1. The inscription "emerald" must be present. If there is no such inscription, it means that cheaper green beryl is fixed in the decoration.
2. Further, the word "emerald" should be followed by an entry in the form of the fraction C / H, where "C" is one of the five color groups, and "H" is one of the five purity groups.

For example, on the jewelry tag it is written: "Emerald 2 / G3". This suggests that:

• firstly, the jewelry contains a gem-quality cut emerald (since the characteristics are indicated);
• secondly, this stone has a good color - 2;
• thirdly, the emerald is partially transparent only in the center due to numerous cracks or inclusions (category "G3");

In general, these are the characteristics of a fairly good, expensive stone.

Emeralds 1 / G1-2 / G1 are very expensive. just expensive 1 / G2-3 / G2 and 1 / G3-3 / G3. Until recently, the document "Pricelist: Sale prices for natural emeralds of perfect cut from 02.1997 in dollars excluding VAT" was used as a price reference in Russia. The information provided there is hopelessly outdated and has nothing to do with real prices. For example, the highest price for emeralds of quality 1 / G1 weighing 4.00-4.99 carats is indicated at $ 2835 per carat. If we translate the characteristics of a stone from TU 95 335-88 into the GIA system, then today an emerald of this quality and with such a weight costs about $ 8500 per carat. The whole world (except Russia) uses the GIA system for evaluating gems. It defines the quality of stones clearly, down to which specific price categories these or those shades of color belong to. Below are the GIA guidelines for evaluating emeralds.

Commercial grade emeralds

According to the GIA system, the group of commercial quality emeralds includes stones with the following characteristics.

Purity groups:

• very strongly noticeable inclusions (English Severely Included);
• highly visible (English Heavily Included);

Color groups:

• very strong blue-green (vstbG) with saturation / hue 4/3, 8/3, 7/4;
• blue-green (bG) with saturation / tone 4/3, 7/3;
• very faint blue-green (vslbG) with 7/3 saturation / tone;
• green (G) with saturation / tone 4/3, 7/3;

Either very light or very dark, weakly saturated stones with highly visible inclusions fall into this category. The price of commercial emeralds depends on the weight of the stone, the higher the weight, the higher the price:

• 0.01 to 1.99 carats $ 10 to 120 per carat;
• 2.00 to 3.99 carats $ 30 to 600 per carat;
• 4.00 to 5.99 carats $ 50 to 800 per carat;
• 6.00 to 15.00 ct. from $ 75 to 1200 per carat.

You can see that the price range is very large and, therefore, a big difference in the quality of the stones is to be expected. The main feature of the commercial category is that it includes stones that are almost always refined by the fracture filling method.

Premium quality emeralds

According to the GIA system, the group of premium quality emeralds includes stones with the following characteristics.

Purity groups:

• moderately noticeable inclusions (English Moderately Included);
• subtle inclusions (English Slightly Included).

Color groups:

• very strong blue-green (vstbG) with 6/4 saturation / tone;
• blue-green (bG) with saturation / hue 674;
• very faint blue-green (vslbG) with 4/4 saturation / tone;
• green (G) with saturation / tone 6/4.

Premium stones include stones of medium-dark and medium-light tones and medium-strong saturation. Emeralds of this category, weighing from 1 carat, are almost always sold with a certificate from a gemological laboratory.

The price of premium emeralds is roughly in the following ranges:

• from 0.01 to 0.09 carats from $ 90 to 600 per carat;
• from 0.10 to 0.99 carats from $ 200 to 1000 per carat;
• from 1.00 to 2.99 carats from $ 500 to 4500 per carat;
• from 3.00 to 4.99 carats from $ 1000 to 5500 per carat;
• from 5.00 to 15.00 ct. from $ 1500 to 7500 per carat.

Emeralds of the highest quality

According to the GIA system, the group of emeralds of the highest quality includes stones with the following characteristics.

Purity group

• inclusions not visible to the naked eye (eng. Eye-clean).

Color groups:

• very strong blue-green (vstbG) with saturation / hue 5/5;
• blue-green (bG) with saturation / hue 5/5;
• very faint blue-green (vslbG) with saturation / tone 6/4, 5/5;
• green (G) with saturation / hue 5/5.

Emeralds of the highest quality category are extremely rare on the market. These are stones of medium tones with strong or bright color saturation, without inclusions visible to the naked eye. The complete absence of refinement makes the stone 10-50% more expensive, depending on the weight of the stone. The larger the emerald, the more you will have to pay for the lack of refinement. Emeralds of the highest quality, weighing from 0.5 carats, are always sold with a certificate from a gemological laboratory.

Below are the price ranges for the top quality stones:

• from 0.01 to 0.09 carats from $ 700 to 1000 per carat;
• from 0.10 to 0.49 carats from $ 1100 to 2000 per carat;
• from 0.50 to 0.99 carats from $ 2000 to 3500 per carat.

Untreated emeralds of the highest quality category weighing from 0.01 to 0.99 carats are estimated at 10-20% more expensive:

• 1.00 to 2.99 carats $ 4000 to 7000 per carat.

Untreated emeralds of the highest quality category weighing from 1.00 to 2.99 carats are estimated at 20-30% more expensive:

• from 3.00 to 5.99 carats from $ 6,000 to 9,500 per carat;
• from 6.00 to 15.00 carats from $ 8,000 to 13,000 per carat;

Unrefined emeralds of the highest quality category weighing from 3.00 to 15.00 carats are estimated at 30-60% more expensive.

To understand how important the nuances of color are for an emerald, let's take two stones with the same weight of one carat. Let the color of these emeralds according to the certificate be the same "very weak blue-green" (vslbG), but the saturation and tone are different. Suppose the first gem is vslbG 7/3, its description in expanded form looks like: "Dark very slightly greyish very slightly bluish Green", and the second vslbG 5/5, in expanded form the description reads like: "Medium strong very slightly bluish Green" ... If the first will cost the buyer no more than $ 300, then he will have to pay about $ 4000-6000 for the second, depending on how he can agree with the seller.

Sometimes the color is named after the stone deposit. From emerald sellers, you can hear about colors such as Colombian, Zambian, Zimbabwean and Brazilian. The Colombian color is considered the best. Most often it means the vslbG color group, 5-6 tones and 5-6 saturations. When talking about the Zambian color, they mean bluish green (bG), darker 6-7 tones. It should be noted that compared to Colombian Zambian emeralds contain significantly fewer inclusions.

Zimbabwean emeralds are distinguished by their spectrally pure, intense green color (G). As a rule, these stones are rarely found larger than 1 carat.

All less saturated emeralds are called Brazilian.

Verbal descriptions should be followed with great care when assessing the value of an emerald. The name of the area of ​​origin does not say anything about the exact color characteristics of the stone and its value. Moreover, in the same deposit, you can find emeralds of completely different colors. For example, Afghan emeralds are very similar in color to Colombian ones, and Ural emeralds are very similar to Zambian ones.

Emerald is a type of green beryl. This gem has been known to mankind since the time of the Sumerian civilization. The ancient Greeks gave it the name "Stone of Radiance". Already in those days, people paid attention to the unusual properties of such a stone as an emerald.

One of the main characteristics of an emerald gemstone is its color, which is distinguished by its uniqueness due to its wide spectrum. However, few people know what color and shade the emerald is considered the most valuable, which is explained by some differences in the color scheme. In general, green is the primary color. There are also specimens with a bluish tint or blue veins.

Emerald gem characteristics: color and clarity of the gemstone

There are many varieties of pure green emeralds, among which those with a dark green tint are more appreciated than others. Sometimes they are even more expensive than diamonds. The photo shows what color and type of emerald is considered the highest quality and recommended for purchase:

Jewelers, however, distribute three main characteristics of color for this gem - lightness, saturation and tone. More expensive than the others, more saturated specimens are estimated.

It is known that stones of natural origin rarely have a uniform shape. They can have many defects, such as a network of veins, an uneven defective surface. Therefore, in order to achieve the gem-quality characteristics of an emerald, it is treated with special substances. Due to the above-mentioned material defects, this gem is rather fragile. In order to increase the stability of the material, jewelers mainly cabochon or use a specific emerald cut.

Emerald Specifications
Chemical composition:
Systema:	Hexagonal
Mixing:	Fe2O3, V2O3, Cr2O3
Daylight color:	Green, yellowish green
Color under artificial light:	Dark green
	Glass luster.
Hardness index:
Feature color:
Transparency level:	Transparent, translucent
Density indicator:	2.69-2.78 g / cm³
Refraction value:
Cleavage:	Imperfect.

History and deposits of emeralds

The name of the stone in English refers to one of the types of beryl "aquamarine", which is aquamarine. Translated, the name of such a precious stone as emerald means "green gem".

Other names from Latin have forms such as smaragdus, esmeraude, emeraude, and esmeralde.

There is evidence that these stones were traded in Babylon as early as 4000 BC. Since then, natural stones such as emeralds have been highly prized by the largest cultures. It is known from history that the Indian sultan Shah Jahan wore a talisman with this stone, on which ancient texts were carved. There are suggestions that it was because of this that the emerald began to be considered a symbol of holiness and love. A lot of evidence has also been found that Queen Cleopatra was very fond of these jewelry, and even emerald mines with tools made in 1300 BC were found. Ancient Egyptians decorated mummies and tombs with emerald crystals.

It is known that the Greeks considered the emerald one of the best stones and treasured it very much. According to Herodotus, it is known that such an ancient Greek figure as Polykart wore this nugget in his ring.

The first finds date back to 1925, when Colombian explorers conducted an expedition to Indian reservations, where a small number of stones were found. The only currently known South American emeralds are found near Bogotá. The most famous mines are located in Muzo. Emeralds are found in thin veins of black bituminous limestones containing early Cretaceous ammonites.

Later, mention of such finds appeared in Peru. After that, emeralds became popular in Europe, where until the 1930s they were very rare and almost never found.

The word "emerald" came to the Russian language through the Persian "zumurrud" and the Turkish "zumrut".

MI Pylyaev in his book "Precious stones" refers to an article published in the "Bulletin of the Geographical Society" in 1860, which says that the first emerald of Russian origin was found in 1669.

However, if you follow the official version, the first emerald in Russia was found not earlier than the 19th century, namely in 1839. For the first time this gem was discovered by a peasant from the Beloyarsk volost, Maxim Kozhevnikov. The find took place in the Yekaterinburg district, on the banks of the Tokovaya river.

Currently, the only Russian emerald deposit is Malyshevskoye, which is located not far from Yekaterinburg.

In addition, large deposits of emeralds are located in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Colombia and Brazil. In small quantities, this gem is found in Austria, Australia, Bulgaria, Germany, Egypt, India, Spain, Italy, China, Kazakhstan, Cambodia, Mozambique, Madagascar, Namibia, Nigeria, Norway, Somalia, USA, Tanzania, France, Switzerland and Ethiopia.

One of the largest emeralds known to mankind is the Emerald Buddha. This 3600-carat nugget was found in Madagascar, after which a Buddha figurine was carved from it.

Due to the high cost of the emerald, attempts have been made to remove it in a synthetic way. These efforts were crowned with success between 1934 and 1937, when the Germans filed a patent for its synthesis. Artificial emeralds are now being mass-produced in the United States.

Distinguish between ordinary and artificial emeralds using filtered ultraviolet radiation (360 nm), to which a real emerald does not normally react, and synthetic emeralds exhibit chestnut brown luminescence. However, this rule is not always confirmed. Many natural emeralds can also react to filtered ultraviolet light.

Price of an emerald: this is how much a stone costs per 1 carat

The influence of shades and the smallest nuances of color on the price of an emerald is very significant. Among the characteristics of an emerald, color is considered the most important, as well as purity, although it happens that the latter is also neglected in favor of a more saturated shade. There are many types of emerald gemstone, which are distributed in color and transparency, which determines the quality and price of the stone. The normal range of colors is from yellow-green to blue-green. However, the most valuable material is considered to have a pronounced dark green color. In addition, the highest quality of the product is determined by the transparency of the material. Any deviation in shade converts this gem into a cheaper variety - green beryl.

There is no definite answer to the question of how much 1 carat of such a gem as an emerald costs, because the price characteristics of each piece depend on many factors. For example, the cost per carat will rise with the size of the solid stone. That is, the smaller the size of the whole stone, the lower the cost of one carat, and vice versa.

But not only color and size is a factor in determining the price of a particular nugget. For example, a high-quality, and, naturally, more expensive, is an emerald, in which noticeable veins and opacities are not visible to the naked eye.

Emeralds of the highest quality are rarely found on the market. Price ranges for stones of the highest quality category:

• from 0.01 to 0.99 carats from $ 700 to $ 3500 per carat;
• from 1.00 to 2.99 carats from $ 4000 to $ 7000 per carat;
• from 3.00 to 5.99 carats from $ 6,000 to $ 9,500 per carat;
• from 6.00 to 15.00 ct. from $ 8000 to $ 13000 per carat.

Many also wonder how much an artificial emerald costs and whether it can be purchased at a lower price than a natural one. Yes, it is known that artificial gems have a slightly lower price than natural ones, which is due to the inferior quality of the material. One of the indicators of a non-natural stone is a lower density of the material, as well as a very characteristic bluish-green color.

As a rule, emeralds are worn in rings, rings, women - even in earrings and necklaces. If possible, it is better to have a set of jewelry with emeralds - firstly, it will look stylish, and secondly, this way you will give the stones more opportunities to beneficially influence your destiny. Emerald does not need color support. There is no need to match him with a green dress or make up in swamp tones. The vibrant green of the stone should be the solo.

You can see from the photo that emerald stones look best on women with a dark complexion, or vice versa - nobly pale. Both in the first and in the second case, the jewelry will harmoniously emphasize the natural feminine beauty. Earrings interspersed with this material are ideal for women with green eyes. However, those with eyes of any other color should not immediately abandon such graceful jewelry. It is just important to choose earrings with emeralds of the same saturation that the wearer's eyes have. For example, for those representatives of the fair sex who have light eyes, more transparent shades of a gem are well suited, and vice versa.

It is believed that rings and rings with this gem should be worn on the little finger or ring finger.

Don't be afraid to combine emerald with other precious stones. Best suited for this purpose are aquamarine, amethyst, and pink rhodochrosite.

Precious stones are not the prerogative of women only. The male part of humanity can safely pick up rings and seals with emeralds that can emphasize any strict image.

The magical and astrological properties of an emerald: who is suitable for a stone according to the sign of the zodiac

The Jewelery Industry Council of America and the British National Jewelers Association have designated the emerald as the birthstone for the month of May.

In Vedic astrology, there is a section on how the planets affect a person's life. This includes the item on wearing precious stones. The fact is that, for example, an emerald is a stone of the planet Mercury, and those who wear it on their bodies as a decoration or talisman are under the influence of this celestial body. Mercury is responsible for such aspects of human life as knowledge, trade, success at work, science and invention. That is why a person wearing such talismans has special intellectual abilities, a desire to learn about the practical and spiritual spheres of human life. Also, a nugget helps to acquire new useful contacts.

Such a part of the Vedas as Ayurveda tells in detail about the meaning of emerald stones and the treatment with the help of this material. The fact is that it harmonizes all three doshas of the human body, such as vata, pitta and kapha. Thus, the stone has a beneficial effect on the digestion, respiratory and nervous system. It is used to treat throat ailments and colds. The nugget has a positive effect on people with speech impairments such as, for example, stuttering, neurological disorders and even deafness. It also relieves heart problems, all kinds of infectious diseases and fever.

The positive effect of the material is also noted in the general well-being of the one who uses it. A person's ability to concentrate and learn improves, the tendency to meaningless acts, gambling and kleptomania disappears. Therefore, among all who are suitable for the properties of the magic stone of emerald, those who have any disorders will note the greatest beneficial effect.

There is a lot of information that with the help of emeralds and emerald powder, any eye diseases are treated. It is believed that the color green relaxes the eyes, helps them to relax, and helps a person become more focused.

It is widely believed that emerald has a positive effect on vision. One of the medieval recipes says: "to strengthen the light of the eyes (vision), rub the emerald well on the porphyry and, after mixing it with saffron, apply it to the eyes."

Men have long used the stone of Mercury to treat impotence. Women note a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin. The stone rejuvenates their face and helps in the fight against aging of the whole body.

It is possible to treat this or that disorder of the body or human psyche directly by wearing an emerald on the body, as well as tinctures and powders from this stone.

There is a theory that a beneficial effect occurs through the addition of the color of the stone to the color scale of the person himself. Esotericists suggest that the human body has 7 colors, and disorders of the body occur due to the lack of any of them in the energy sphere.

The effect of these crystals on one of the human chakras, namely on the Anahata, located in the chest, is noted. This chakra is responsible for loving people, showing compassion.

Another patronizing heavenly body of the emerald is the Moon, as well as Venus, which adds positive qualities to it.

Astrologers give a lot of information about who, according to the zodiac sign, is most suitable for such a stone as an emerald, and whether it is worth wearing it for everyone indiscriminately. Emerald is a talisman for people born under the sign of Taurus. It is also advised to wear a talisman with an emerald for those who were born under the auspices of the Cancer sign. In this case, the emerald will be able to show its best qualities. But those who were born in the month of Capricorn should pick up another patronizing gem.

The influence on this or that sign of the zodiac is due to the astrological properties of the emerald stone, among which there is an opportunity to give magical abilities to its owner.

Since ancient times, there has been a fad that this stone bestows on its owner the loyalty of a loved one. There is also an opinion that green beryl helps its owner to see the future, sharpens intuition. As an amulet, an emerald should only be worn in a gold setting. In this case, the stone can become a powerful talisman against evil spells, from negative influences. As a talisman, emerald is one of the most powerful stones that stimulate all the best in a person.

Astrologers who have studied the emerald note the magical properties of the stone as one of the most beneficial effects on the state of a person wearing a stone as a talisman. They believe that such an amulet has not only healing magic, but also protective and even love magic.

Those who are going to go on a sea voyage are advised to take an emerald with them on the road, as it protects against unwanted accidents on the water. Also, the stone protects from the bite of poisonous snakes and vipers, as it is able to hypnotize such animals.

Also, an amulet from this nugget neutralizes other people's spells, thus being a powerful defense mechanism. He not only will not allow you to fall under a negative magical effect, but will also help get rid of its consequences if it suddenly happened.

If you give an emerald to the newlyweds during the wedding, their marriage will be distinguished by special endurance and harmony in the relationship of the married couple. Also, the stone will be able to balance and make the sex life of a married couple more intense, to get rid of problems on an intimate basis.

Among other things, the stone will be able to impart magical qualities to its owner. It not only sharpens intuition, but also helps during fortune-telling. The characteristics of such a gem as an emerald also include the ability to help a person see the other world. Georgians call this gem "snake", which, if translated, will mean the word "mirror". This means that a person under his patronage can see the future and the past.

Astrologers also note that specimens that have been passed down from generation to generation are especially powerful, thereby receiving powerful energy. But there are also references to the fact that when working with such stones, you need to be extremely careful, as you can get yourself in big trouble instead of getting good results. Heirloom emeralds should only be used by those who are completely confident in how and what to do.

An interesting ability is acquired by nuggets that lie in the rain a full 9 times. It is believed that with their help a person gets the opportunity to control the heavenly elements. In ancient magical traditions, people thus caused rain, or vice versa, they dispersed the storm and bad weather.