You may remember the city of Emeraldia in The Wizard of Oz, named after the vibrant, sparkling hues of nature's greenest gemstone. For centuries, emeralds were thought to possess healing powers and reduce stress.
The colour of the emerald
Emeralds can range in colour from pale green with blue or yellow tones to deep, rich green. But the finest emeralds have a deep green color that sometimes touches a hint of blue and offers translucency, depth and clarity. The green color comes from impurities of chromium, vanadium or a combination of both. Iron also affects the colour, creating bluish tones.
Known for their inclusions, which are foreign materials trapped within the gemstone, emeralds are a unique stone. Some say that under the microscope, the inclusions can look like mossy plant life. Inclusions can also be an indication of a gemstone's origin.
Emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl, which is formed with six sides. March's birthstone, aquamarine, is also a type of beryl.
Meanings, symbolism and folklore of the emerald
The English name of emerald comes from the Old French word esmeraude. But it is also derived from emerald, the ancient Greek word for this gemstone.
Pliny the Elder once said that “nothing is greener” than an emerald. Hindu teachings also linked emeralds to the planet Mercury, while Western traditions linked the stone to Venus.
According to legend, emeralds were one of the four stones that God gave to Israel's King Solomon. It is still associated with producing tranquility and love. Ancient cultures considered the emerald a symbol of fertility and immortality.
Over the years, emeralds have been associated with inspiration and patience, rebirth and renewal. Some also believe that they make those who wear it more intelligent, intelligent and passionate speakers.
It was once believed to help relieve problems with muscles, the spine and chest area. Emerald was also once thought to cure diseases such as cholera and malaria.
It has even been long associated with the eyes, from helping to reduce eye strain to opening a window into the future for those who put it under their tongue.
Today, emeralds symbolize faith, new beginnings, peace and security. They also believe that the gemstone relieves stress.
Emerald is the gemstone they offer to celebrate the 20th and 35th wedding anniversary.
History of the emerald
The first recorded mining of emeralds took place in 330 BC in Egypt, although it is estimated that the oldest gemstones are close to 3 billion years old.
May's birthstone, the emerald, was also the favourite stone of the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra. The gemstone was her royal jewelry and adorned her palace. During her reign, Cleopatra also claimed all the emerald mines in Egypt.
The Egyptians as a whole were in love with the gemstone. So they used it both in jewelry and in burials, burying the stones with the monarchs as a sign of protection.
Also the emerald Buddha, which is actually made of a form of jasper. It is housed in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha on the grounds of the Grand Palace in Bangkok, Thailand.
In L. Frank Baum's novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Dorothy follows the yellow brick road to the Emerald City to find the wizard.
In the 1980s, Seattle, Washington was nicknamed the “Emerald City”. Seattle's nickname is much more visual. Seattle has this name Emerald City because the city and surrounding areas are filled with greenery year-round.
Also an emerald pendant belonging to Elizabeth Taylor sold for more than $6 million in 2011.
Where to find emeralds
Egypt is the oldest source of emeralds and remained the only significant source for hundreds of years.
But in the 16th century, deposits found in Colombia expanded the gemstone's mining locations to South America. Colombia is still an important source of emeralds, along with mines in Brazil and Africa, notably Zambia.
Emeralds are also found in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and North Carolina has the largest emerald deposits in the United States.
Emeralds in jewellery
With a Mohs hardness rating of 7.5 to 8, emeralds are often used in rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings.
It is important to take special care of emeralds, using warm, soapy water to clean them. Avoid exposing gemstones to hot water, heat and harsh chemicals. Also avoid storing them near harder gemstones such as diamonds, which can cause scratches.
Source: www.almanac.com
