Emerald and Gemstones

Emerald is a medium to dark green beryl which derives its color from chromium and vanadium. Always rich green in color, most emeralds have many "inclusions," or flaws, and are typically oiled to fill cracks and generally improve appearance. It is used in rings, necklaces, pendants and bracelets. More on...

Colors:

Lustre:

System:

North Carolina Symbol - Stone adopted in 1973

 More than 300 minerals have been found in North Carolina. These minerals include some of the most valuable and unique gems in the world. The largest Emerald ever found in North Carolina was 1,438 carats and was found at Hiddenite, near Statesville. The "Carolina Emerald," now owned by Tiffany & Company of New York was also found at Hiddenite in 1970. When cut to 13.14 carats, the stone was valued at the time at $100,000 and became the largest and finest cut emerald on the continent.

The General Assembly of 1973 designated the emerald as the official State Precious Stone. (Session Laws, 1973, c. 136).

Care and Treatment

Clean your Emerald with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid sudden temperature changes, household chemicals and ultrasonic jewelry cleaners.

Emerald is often treated with oil to fill fissures and fractures that are characteristic of emerald. Hence, You should never clean an emerald in an ultrasonic cleaner because this oil could be removed or damaged, making the fissures more visible. In addition, do not clean emerald in hot soapy water since it too can remove this oil.

Emerald is often irradiated for clarity.

The following are misleading terms:

"African emerald" is really green fluorite from South-West Africa

"Cape Emerald" is really prehnite found in South Africa (not to be confused with true emerald from South Africa).

"Evening Emerald" is really peridot.

"Indian emerald" is really green-dyed quartz.

"Medina Emerald" and "Spanish Emerald" are really green glass.

"Mt. Saint Helens Emerald" is green glass that is man made by fusing volcanic ash.

"Scientific Emerald" is really synthetic stones or paste.

"Zerfass Emerald" is synthetic emerald.

"Uralian Emerald" is really green garnet.

Hardness

 Emerald has a hardness rating of 7.5.

Specific Gravity: 2.65 to 2.76

Healing

Radiation toxicity; all mental illness; circulatory & neurological disorders; transmits balance, healing & patience; increases psychic & clairvoyant abilities; meditation; keener insight into dreams.

Where Found

The best known sources include Colombia and Zambia. I went to a closed Emerald mine in Australia. Emeralds can also be found in: Brazil, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, Russia, USA (North Carolina) and other countries.

Birthstone Months

• January: Mystical Birthstone

• May: Modern Birthstone, Traditional Birthstone

Star Stone Months

• Taurus (Apr 20 - May 20): Birthstone/Planetary Stone

• Gemini (May 21 - Jun 20): Lucky Charm

• Cancer (Jun 21 - Jul 22): Birthstone/Lucky Charm

Anniversary Gemstone

Emerald is the anniversary gemstone for the 20th, 35th and 55th year of marriage, the perfect emblem of an enduring love.

 
Mystical Properties

Though not meant to replace traditional medical treatment, Emerald is used for physical and emotional healing

 
Lore

Archaeologists have traced the origins of the use of emerald to almost 3000 B.C. in both ancient Egypt and India.

The Moguls of India loved emeralds so much they inscribed them with sacred text and wore them as talismans. For example, one talismanic emerald is deep green and weighs 78 carats. Around the edge in Persian runs the inscription:

"He who possesses this charm shall enjoy the special protection of God."

• Cleopatra prized her emeralds more than any other gem.

According to legend, Emeralds strengthen the owner's memory, quicken the intelligence and assist in predicting the future.

Emerald is the US State Gemstone of North Carolina.

Emerald is said to be the Spring Gemstone of the Season.