Emerald
Emerald is the May Birthstone. The name emerald is derived from the Greek word Smaragdus, meaning Green.It belongs to the Beryl group of minerals composed of a silicate of
Beryllium and Aluminium. The green color of the stone is due to small
quantities of Chromium Oxide and Vanadium Oxide associated with the
crystal lattice. The color can vary from various shades of green to
bluish green.
Emerald is one of the earliest known gem stones in the history of
mankind. They are known to have been mined in Ancient Egypt by the
Pharaohs between 3000 to 1000 years B.C.Emeralds were also known and
mined during the Inca Civilization of South America. The Indian Holy
Scriptures "The Vedas" also make reference to Emeralds and their healing
properties.
Emeralds were the favourite gems of the Indian Royalty, as they were
believed to bring good luck and well being to their owners. The Mogul
Emperors of India had large collections of valuable emeralds. The Iranian
Royal Family also had valuable collections. Emeralds belonging to the
Turkish Sultans form part of the exhibits in the Topkapi Museum at
Istanbul.
The present day sources of emeralds are Brazil and Columbia in South
America, Nigeria, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Madagascar and South Africa in the
African Continent, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India in Asia, Russia and
Australia.
Fine emeralds are very rare and may be rarer than fine diamonds. Today
Columbia ranks as the top producer of fine emeralds. Quality wise
Colombian fine emeralds are the best in the world with a sparkling green
color devoid of any bluish tint. The Zambian emeralds are deep
green in color with good transparency. They are darker than the
Colombian emeralds, and usually contain a slightly bluish tint. Brazil
also produces good quality fine emeralds in different shades of
green. Extremely rare star emeralds and cat's eye emeralds have also been
found in Brazil.
Traditionally emeralds are used to indicate the 55th Anniversary of an
event. This is because emerald is a rare gem and 55th Anniversaries are
also very rare.
The green color of emeralds symbolizes rebirth, like spring time which
comes round again and again, and wearing one gives the wearer good luck,
well being and youthfulness.
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Rough Emerald |
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Faceted Emerald |
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