Did you know that emeralds are more valuable than diamonds and that baby oil protects them? If not, you’ve arrived at the correct location. In the second installment of our ‘5 things…’ series, we explore the intriguing, very green world of this rare gemstone. Despite its high price, emerald remains a popular gemstone in both domestic and international markets. Emerald Stone Prices starts from 800 ($12.30) to 2 lakh ($3076) per carat, depending on the gemstone’s provenance, clarity, color, and size.
- Emeralds Are History’s Original Treasures
Emeralds are about three billion years old. However, they were discovered in Egypt circa 1500BC, where emeralds were considered to symbolize fertility and rebirth. Mummies were frequently buried with them as a symbol of perpetual youth. The Incas and Aztecs regarded these lush green stones as gods as well.
Thus, it’s unsurprising that the world’s finest emeralds originate in South America. Today, Colombia produces the most emeralds, accounting for more than half of global output.
- What Gives Emeralds Their Green Color
Emeralds are one of four gemstones classified as ‘precious’ on a worldwide scale (the others being diamonds, sapphires, and rubies). They are formed of beryl. Their green hue is caused by trace quantities of chromium and/or vanadium. Unlike other valuable stones, emeralds are always green, though their tints range from yellow-green to deep jade.
The palest stones are not emeralds, but green beryl. Emeralds are most preferred in shades ranging from bluish-green to green, with vibrant saturation and a medium to medium-dark tone.
- Emeralds Are Rarer And Often Expensive Than Diamond
While most of us automatically think of diamonds when we think of rare and expensive gemstones, emeralds are more than 20 times rarer than diamonds and so frequently attract a greater price. Because emeralds are less dense than diamonds, they look bigger than diamonds of the same carat weight because they look bigger because they look bigger because they look bigger because they look bigger because they look bigger. The Gaushala emerald, discovered in 1967 in Colombia, measures 858 carats and is one of the biggest and most famous specimens of the stone in the world. The Mogul Mughal, at just 200 carats, is not nearly as huge, but it is the world’s largest engraved emerald, etched with the verses of a Shi’a Muslim prayer in Naskh script. It was sold at auction for $2.2 million in 2001.
- Nearly All Emerald Diamonds Include Diamonds
Unlike diamonds, where clarity plays a crucial part in determining a stone’s value, emeralds are supposed to include inclusions. Indeed, they are present in 99 percent of real emeralds, so if you come across one without them, the stone is most likely fake. Included materials are gases, other minerals and crystals, and liquids that emeralds acquire throughout the crystallization process and are frequently regarded as attractive characteristics. Known in the trade as ‘Jardin’ (French for the garden), they may produce appealing patterns, ensuring that no two stones are identical, so increasing the gem’s value. Emerald clarity refers to the appearance of the stone on the interior and is often determined with the naked eye rather than magnification. Emeralds are frequently treated with oils or resins to increase their clarity and improve their quality and grade because of their natural inclusions.
- Emeralds Are The Smoothest Gems Man Knows
While inclusions can enhance the appearance of an emerald, they also make it more prone to fracture when struck against a hard surface or exposed to extreme temperature changes. As a result, the majority of emeralds are treated by sealing fractures with oil to avoid chipping. As a result, emeralds should never be cleaned chemically or with an ultrasonic machine. Rather than that, just rinse with warm water; allow drying, and then massage with a soft cloth. Additionally, you may treat emeralds with baby oil to help prevent the stone from becoming excessively brittle.
