Emerald 

Emerald: The Emperor of Gemstones

“No matter what anyone says or does, my task is to be emerald, my color undiminished."

Marcus Aurelius


Emerald is a magnificent gemstone of rich green color, and it is the most valuable variety of the mineral Beryl. Its name comes from the Greek word "smaragdos" and the Old French "esmeralde," which translates to "green gemstone." Emeralds were highly prized by ancient Egyptians and Incas. Cleopatra was famous for her love of these stones and even owned mines where they were extracted.

 

Finding an emerald of perfect green hue is like to winning the lottery. A stone with intense color and no inclusions is extremely rare and is valued by jewelers higher than diamonds of the same size.

 

The most expensive emeralds have a deep green or bluish-green color. Emeralds with very light, dark, or yellowish tones are valued much less. The most classic and expensive emeralds are mined in Colombia, home to the world's finest deposits of this gemstone.
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Price chart

Reference price per 1 carat, $

Reference price per 1 carat, $

Reference price per 1 carat, $

  • Colour

    1 ct

    3 ct

    5 ct

    10 ct

    vslbG 6/5 VVS
    Medium-dark slightly bluish-green Saturated



    3288



    5150

     

     

    7011

     

     

    11665

    G 6/5 VVS
    Medium Dark Green Rich

     

     

    3197

     


    5007

     

     

    6817

     

     

    11341

    G 5/3 VVS
    Medium Green Moderate

     


    3059

     


    4791

     

     

    6523

     

     

    10853

    G 5/2 VVS
    Medium Green Weak

     


    2402

     


    3762

     

     

    5121

     

     

    8521

    vslbG 5/3 VVS
    Medium slightly bluish green Moderate

     


    2340

     


    3665

     

     

    4990

     

     

    8301

    vslbG 4/5 VVS Medium-light slightly bluish-green Saturated

     


    962

     


    2051

     

     

    2051

     

     

    3412

    G 4/3 VVS
    Medium Light Green Moderate

     


    884

     


    1385

     

     

    1886

     

     

    3138
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Where is Emerald Mined?

The value of emeralds can vary significantly depending on their mining location. Colombia is renowned for producing the highest quality emeralds, along with many other valuable minerals. The Muzo mine in Colombia is particularly famous for yielding the world's finest emeralds. In the past, Colombia was notorious for its "green wars," which caused significant damage to the emerald industry due to unethical mining and trading practices. Fortunately, those days are long gone, and today, gem mining in the country adheres to all applicable standards.
 

Other popular emerald mining locations include Zambia followed by Brazil and Afghanistan. Emeralds mined in Pakistan and Madagascar are considered the least valuable.
 

Afganistan

The remote valley of Panjshir, Afghanistan is well known for producing a small amount of high end emeralds which can compete with the finest emeralds, coming from Colombia. Emeralds have here been mined for thousands of year, bigger mining operations started around 2001.
The mines are located between 3,000m and 4,000m in elevation and mining conditions are harsh. Similarly to Colombia, miners are following hydrothermal veins, using jackhammers and explosives to create shafts up to 1000m inside the mountain. Currently there are more than 100 active mines, production is mainly commercial material.

Afghanistan Panjshir valley mines

The mines are located between 3,000m and 4,000m in elevation and mining conditions are harsh. Similarly to Colombia, miners are following hydrothermal veins, using jackhammers and explosives to create shafts up to 1000m inside the mountain. Currently there are more than 100 active mines, production is mainly commercial material.
Recently pockets with astonishing clean emeralds were found, some stones were sold for up to 200,000 USD per carat. These stones are very similar to Colombian stones and can be challenging for every gemological laboratory to detect the origin.This oil-free formula is clinically proven to clean deep down into pores gently while preventing future breakouts. 

Brazil

Since the late 1970s, Brazil has maintained a steady production of commercial grade emeralds, now accounting for up to 50% of the emeralds in the North American market. Utilizing advanced technology, Brazilian mining companies have ensured consistent output year after year.

Belmond emerald mine in Brazil

Although high-end emeralds from Brazil are quite rare, their soft green hue and competitive pricing have driven significant demand for these gems. While top-quality Brazilian emeralds are uncommon, some buyers prefer their subtle green tones. Additionally, the prices and supply of Brazilian emeralds remain very stable, contributing to their popularity.

Colombia

Colombian emeralds have been mined for centuries and are renowned as the world's finest. Among all the mines, one of the most famous is the Muzo mine, known for producing the highest quantity of top-grade emeralds.

Rough mined emeralds "Green Fire" from Muzo mine

After facing significant challenges such as violence and questionable working conditions, notably during the 'green wars' era from 1980 to 2009, the mining conditions have now become sustainable and meet Western standards.

One of the most renowned and expensive emeralds is the Rockefeller Emerald, a Colombian emerald boasting an impressive 18.04 carats. It was auctioned at Christie's in 2017, fetching $5,511,500, or $305,500 per carat.

Zambia

Zambia has emerged as one of the top three largest producers of stunning deep green emeralds, alongside Colombia and Brazil. While Zambian emeralds were discovered in the 1920s, commercial mining didn't commence until 1976. The primary Zambian mine, known as the Kagem mine, is currently the largest colored gemstone mine globally, accounting for an estimated 25% of worldwide emerald production.

Afghanistan Panjshir valley mines

The mines are located between 3,000m and 4,000m in elevation and mining conditions are harsh. Similarly to Colombia, miners are following hydrothermal veins, using jackhammers and explosives to create shafts up to 1000m inside the mountain. Currently there are more than 100 active mines, production is mainly commercial material.
Recently pockets with astonishing clean emeralds were found, some stones were sold for up to 200,000 USD per carat. These stones are very similar to Colombian stones and can be challenging for every gemological laboratory to detect the origin.This oil-free formula is clinically proven to clean deep down into pores gently while preventing future breakouts.

Russia

In the 1830s, the first Russian emeralds were discovered in the Ural Mountains near Yekaterinburg, alongside the renowned alexandrite. The largest emerald deposit, the Mariinsky field, has been operational for over 185 years.

Malyshevsky underground emerald mine

Following investments and restoration efforts, a modern operation commenced in 2005, yielding high-quality emeralds since then. The distinct bluish-green color and exceptional purity of Russian emeralds are well-known among connoisseurs.

 

From a gemological perspective, Russian emeralds are easily identifiable due to their unique chemistry and internal characteristics. In addition to their bluish-green hue, inclusions within Russian emeralds are quite distinctive and can be diagnosed by an experienced gemologist.

Pakistan

Emerald deposits in the Swat Valley, Pakistan were uncovered in the late 1950s. Initially, local individuals mined the area for the local market, but over the next two decades, larger companies assumed control, targeting the international market.

Swat valley Emerald mining area, Pakistan

Today, multiple hard rock deposits primarily yield commercial-grade emeralds. However, recent mining operations have unearthed high-quality emeralds from these shafts.

Chemically, these emeralds bear similarities to stones from Afghanistan but are typically more included. Certain inclusions can be highly characteristic of emeralds from Pakistan.

In addition to the deposits mentioned above, emerald deposits are also found in Australia (New South Wales, Western Australia), Ghana, India, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania, and the United States (North Carolina). 
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Treatment

Emerald Treatment Techniques
 

The practice of treating emeralds has been known for several centuries, with most emeralds on the market being clarity enhanced using oil.

 

Clarity Enhancement Processes
 

Clarity enhancement is the primary treatment for emeralds and can be categorized into two main types:

Oiling

A significant number of emeralds have natural fissures that can be filled with oil (often in a vacuum) to enhance the stone's clarity and overall appearance. This method is widely accepted in the trade, and emeralds treated with oil still fetch high prices due to the rarity of fissure-free stones. While this treatment is temporarily stable (lasting several years), it can be reapplied after cleaning. The amount of oil used can vary from minimal to substantial.
 

Artificial Resin

For emeralds with numerous cracks and a high density of fissures, artificial resin treatment not only improves clarity but also stabilizes the gemstone, making it more durable. This method is stable and does not require special care. The quantity of resin used can range from minor to significant.

These treatments help maintain the market value and visual appeal of emeralds despite their natural imperfections.

Partly dried out oil in a fissure of an Emerald (150x magnifed)
 

Optical effect of artifical resin in a fissure of an Emerald 
 

Gemologists identify treatments in emeralds by examining both their internal features and certain internal characteristics using advanced equipment such as UV lamps and FTIR. 

The substances used to fill fissures in emeralds have distinct chemical and physical properties, allowing them to be detected through microscopy and FTIR analysis. 

Oiled Emeralds

Over 90% of emeralds in the global market undergo enhancement processes to improve their clarity. Cracks are filled with cedar oil or various polymers for this purpose. Oiling is considered the standard and classic type of treatment. While filling with colorless oil is accepted, green oil is not approved by the gemological community. 
Before Oil
After Oil

Oiling of emeralds is a standard procedure to increase the clarity and color of the stone 
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Inclusions: A Key Factor in Emeralds

Inclusions are one of the most critical parameters in any emerald. Their presence and character play a decisive role in the evaluation of the gemstone. Often, inclusions can be used to determine the origin of the precious mineral. Natural emeralds are almost never free from inclusions. 

 

What Are Inclusions?
 

Inclusions are internal features of a gemstone that can appear as crystals, fractures, gas or liquid bubbles, and even tiny cavities. They form during the crystallization process of emeralds deep within the Earth's crust under high temperatures and pressure. These processes create a unique "fingerprint" for each stone.

 

Types of Inclusions

 

Fractures and Veins: These are the most common types of inclusions in emeralds. Fractures can be filled with natural oils or resins to enhance the stone's appearance. Such treatments are standard in the industry and help highlight the natural beauty of the emerald.

 

Crystal Inclusions: Tiny crystals of other minerals can be encapsulated within the emerald. These inclusions can look like small dots or complex shapes, adding extra interest to the stone.

 

Liquid Inclusions: These are inclusions in the form of tiny droplets of liquid, sometimes with gas bubbles. They can create fascinating optical effects, such as iridescent flashes.

2.38ct Columbian Emerald for $7,265 

0.69ct Zambian Emerald for $552 

2.98ct Zambian Emerald for $12,665

 

Why Appreciate Inclusions?

 

Natural Authenticity: Inclusions are proof that an emerald is a natural stone. Synthetic emeralds often lack these characteristics or have artificial inclusions that an experienced gemologist can identify.

 

Uniqueness: Like fingerprints, inclusions make each emerald unique. No two stones are the same, which adds special value to them.

 

Aesthetic Appeal: Some collectors and jewelers consider inclusions part of the natural beauty of emeralds. They add depth and character to the stone, making it visually intriguing.

 
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Meaning of the Stone

"Green Ice" is associated with honesty, insight, wisdom, and hope. The green color symbolizes spring, vitality, youth, and eternal life. The mineral is a patron of lovers, creative individuals, and sailors. It helps strengthen families, fosters love, and protects against accidents on the water.

The stone does not tolerate marital infidelity, deceit, harmful habits, or tendencies towards fraud and debauchery. It teaches generosity, patience, and tact, helps achieve inner peace, supports spiritual harmony, and enhances relationships with others.

The properties of emerald make it a worthy talisman for young girls, mothers, and newborns. It is a beautiful family amulet, a powerful talisman for fishermen and sailors. According to ancient tradition, a piece of emerald was given to pregnant women, and after childbirth, the stone was placed in the baby’s crib. Sailors and fishermen always sought to wear "green ice" when going to the water: the stone helped ensure a bountiful catch and protected against the fury of the aquatic element.
 
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Healing Properties of Emerald

Revitalizing: The stone has powerful positive energy and is used to combat age-related changes. It strengthens health, promotes longevity, and neutralizes negative energy charges. To restore youthful vigor and vitality, place several emerald crystals around the house — in each room, particularly near the sleeping and dining areas.

 

Improves and Restores Vision: Simply gazing at the stone for a few minutes can relax the eyes. To soothe the eyes and aid in inflammatory conditions, prepare emerald water by leaving the stone in water overnight, then use this water to wash the eyes. To alleviate eye ailments, astrologers recommend applying the stone to the eyelids for 15-20 minutes daily.

 

Enhances Sleep: Simply looking at the mineral before bed can help eliminate insomnia. A crystal in the bedroom can improve sleep quality, helping you wake up refreshed and energized. To ward off nightmares, it is advised to wear gold jewelry with emeralds.

 

Assists in Treating Inflammatory Diseases, Liver and Skin

 

Conditions: It may be beneficial for diabetes and heart diseases. To prevent and treat these ailments, carry the stone with you — in jewelry or unmounted. To prevent epilepsy, Aristotle advised wearing emeralds around children’s necks.

 

Normalizes Emotional State: Lithotherapists recommend buying emeralds for those in need of emotional balance, tranquility, and relaxation. The stone helps achieve emotional equilibrium, calms nerves, relieves chronic fatigue and poor sleep. Wearing the stone as jewelry and having the mineral at home will soon improve overall well-being, dispel depression and anxiety, and bring vitality and peace of mind.
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Which Zodiac Signs Suit Emerald?

Astrologers are unanimous: emerald is best suited for Cancers. This "heart of spring" stone generously enhances intuition and imagination, helping Cancers unlock their creative potential. Emerald assists Cancers in managing their sensitive and delicate nature.

Emerald can also benefit other zodiac signs:

  • Taurus: Enhances psychic abilities and boosts self-confidence. For Taurus women, it helps realize plans and attracts luck. Taurus men can expect financial prosperity and protection from envious people.
  • Libra: Attracts loyal friends and true love. Libra women will receive the desired support from loved ones. Libra men will become more confident in themselves and the future.
  • Aquarius: Helps find support and achieve family well-being.
  • Leo: Assists in stressful situations, giving strength to control oneself, avoiding outbursts of anger, and thinking rationally.
  • Gemini: Aids in achieving spiritual balance. Gemini women wearing emerald jewelry will receive protection from envious people.
  • Sagittarius: Acts as a sedative, helping to achieve emotional balance and inner harmony, distracting from negative thoughts.
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Gemological examination

Characteristics

Mineral: Beryl

Variety: Emerald

Chemical composition: Be3Al2(SiO3)6, beryllium aluminum silicate

Crystal structure: Hexagonal prism

Hardness: 7.5 - 8.0

Density: 2.67 - 2.78

Refractive index: 1.565 - 1.602

Birefringence: -0.006

Specific Gravity: 2.72 (± 0.05) lor: White

Mohs hardness 8.0

Absorption spectrum wavelengths: 683, 681, 662, 646, 637, 606, 594, 630-580, 477, 472

Fluorescence: Usually none

Synthetic

Since synthetic emeralds are made of the same material as natural emeralds, inclusions such as fingerprints, fractures, and hollow tubes cannot definitively determine whether an emerald is synthetic or natural. However, flux fingerprints are indicative of a synthetic emerald, as flux is not used to treat fractures in natural emeralds. Hydrothermal synthetic emeralds do not exhibit this feature.

 

Growth Processes of Synthetic Emeralds

 

Flux Process

At present, it is practically not used.

In this method, the elements that make up emeralds are dissolved in a heated solution with flux, which helps to melt everything inside. The solution is then cooled as desired by the manufacturer. The growth of large crystals can take months, and the size of the crystal is proportional to the growth time.
 

Hydrothermal Process

Hydrothermal emeralds grow under conditions very similar to the temperature and pressure at which natural emeralds form. These emeralds have an elongated shape and are formed from a colorless piece of beryl. Hydrothermal emeralds exhibit specific features such as nail-head spicules and chevrons, as well as characteristic fingerprint and tube inclusions.

Hydrothermal emerald

Authentication

Check under a Chelsea color filter. A natural stone will appear reddish-brown due to the presence of chromium

Examine the stone through a loupe to observe small inclusions. The unique formation of emeralds is reflected in their internal state, with inclusions lending uniqueness to the gem.

Use a refractometer. Natural gems have a refractive index of around 1.58, whereas synthetic stones typically have a refractive index not exceeding 1.572.

The most effective method is to have the item assessed in a laboratory, as synthetic stones closely resemble natural ones, making differentiation without microscopy nearly impossible.
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Stone Care

Emerald is a precious and delicate gemstone. While it's highly durable and resistant to damage under normal conditions, it's sensitive to cosmetics and household chemicals. Ideal conditions for emeralds include low temperatures and minimal exposure to bright light. To care for your gemstone properly, follow these guidelines:

  • Remove jewelry before engaging in household chores.
  • Put on emerald jewelry after applying makeup, as exposure to powders and other makeup products can negatively affect the gemstone.
  • Store your jewelry in a box, wrapped in a soft cloth.
  • For cleaning, briefly soak the jewelry in warm soapy water, then gently scrub with a brush or soft cloth.

Make sure to tailor your care routine to the specific needs of your emerald jewelry.
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Gemstones that look like Emeralds

Emeralds look similar to other stones like fluorite (murine), Tanzanian tourmalines, dark green demantoid, chromdiopside, uvarovite, and jadeite.


Emerald FAQS

What is an emerald gemstone? 

Emerald, a beautiful green gemstone, belongs to the beryl mineral family. Its name comes from the Latin word "smaragdus," which means green.

What does an emerald symbolize? 

The emerald gemstone is believed to protect its wearer from the evil eye, cure diseases, and bring goodness, calmness, honesty, loyalty in love, and intelligence. Additionally, emeralds are said to symbolize good fortune, hope, faith, balance, and sympathy.

Are emeralds rare? 

Emeralds are considered rare because they require very specific conditions to form. As a result, they are found in relatively specific areas, such as South America, which possess all the geological conditions necessary for their creation.

Like many gemstones, the purity, color, and size of emeralds can significantly affect their rarity and price. The purer an emerald, the rarer and more expensive it is. This is particularly true for emeralds, as their quality can be more easily verified compared to other stones due to their natural inclusions.

How to clean an emerald? 

Cleaning an emerald jewel is simple. We recommend using warm soapy water and a soft-bristle brush, as with all jewelry.

Encyclopedia


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