Everything You Want to Know About Emeralds
Emerald is one of the most beloved gemstones in the world and is known for its distinctive green color. The stone has been prized for thousands of years and, along with the diamond, sapphire, and ruby, is considered one of the traditional gemstones.
Its unique color and natural appearance make the emerald a popular choice for both classic and modern jewelry. At the same time, the stone requires a little more care than, for example, a diamond or sapphire, so it’s important to take its characteristics into account.
On this page, you can read all about the properties of emeralds, their various colors, how they are formed, and how to care for this special gemstone.
Smaragd at a Glance
Mineral: Beryl
Chemical composition: Be₃Al₂(SiO₃)₆
Hardness: 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale
Suitable for everyday wear: ★★★★☆
Most common colors: Green
Birthstone: May
Properties of the emerald
Emerald is a green variety of the mineral beryl. Its color is caused by small amounts of chromium, vanadium, and sometimes iron in the stone.
Although emeralds have a relatively high hardness, they often contain natural inclusions and small internal fractures. As a result, emeralds are more susceptible to damage than their hardness alone would suggest.
These natural characteristics are often referred to as the “jardin” of the emerald, the French word for “garden.” It is precisely these inclusions that give many emeralds their unique character.
Shades of Emerald
Emeralds are known for their green color, but there are significant variations within that color.
Emeralds can vary in:
- Light green
- Fresh Green
- Deep green
- Blue-green
- Green with a yellow undertone
In general, vivid, uniformly colored green emeralds are the most highly prized.
Natural, treated, and lab-grown emeralds
Natural emerald
Virtually all natural emeralds contain visible inclusions. Emeralds that are completely eye-clean are exceptionally rare.
Treated emerald
Most emeralds are treated with oil or resin to make small surface fractures less visible and to improve their clarity. This treatment is widely accepted within the gemstone industry.
Lab-grown emerald
Lab-grown emeralds have the same chemical and physical properties as natural emeralds, but are produced in a laboratory rather than forming naturally.
Origin and Locations
Major sources of emeralds include Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, Afghanistan, and Ethiopia.
Colombia has been known for centuries for its high-quality emeralds and is considered by many experts to be the source of some of the most beautiful emeralds in the world.
Care
Emeralds require a little more care than many other gemstones.
Due to the stone’s natural inclusions and common oil treatments, the use of ultrasonic cleaners and steam cleaners is generally not recommended. It is best to clean the stone with lukewarm water, a soft cloth or a soft brush, and a small amount of mild soap.
Summary
The emerald is a timeless gemstone known for its beautiful green color and natural character. Although the stone requires a bit more care than, for example, a diamond or sapphire, the emerald remains one of the most beloved choices for special jewelry. It is precisely the natural inclusions and vibrant color that give every emerald its unique character.
Looking for more information about other gemstones? Check out the complete gemstone guide for an overview of all gemstones and their properties.