Emerald Information Emeralds traditionally range in color from dark to light green. As a member of the beryl family, emeralds receive their color from chromium traces in the otherwise colorless beryl crystals. Other elements such as vanadium and iron can affect the shade and vividness of the emerald. Arguments can be made for both dark, vibrant greens as well as light, pale greens as the most valuable types of emeralds. As with all gemstones, this falls to the eye of the beholder. Generally, the dark, vibrant blue-green emeralds are termed “Columbian” regardless of where they are actually found. Pale green, light emeralds are usually termed “Brazilian” although many actually are mined in Africa. With a hardness rating on the Moh’s scale of 7.5 – 8, emeralds are terrific for jewelry uses; however due to most emeralds internal defects, inclusions, cracks, and fissures, care must be taken while wearing an emerald to prevent sharp blows and pressure. Because of this the scale of inclusion measurement for emeralds does not mesh directly with other gemstones. Concerning these inclusions, the vast majority of emeralds purchased in the retail sector have been treated to diminish their visibility. The treatment involves using high-pressure systems to force clear oils into the emerald. Since these oils can be removed with classical jewelry cleaning techniques such as ultrasonics and steamers, care must be taken when cleaning emerald jewelry. The history of emeralds is long and steeped with mythological legends. Dating back to 3,000 B.C. in Cleopatra’s mines near Cairo and beyond, emeralds are one of the earliest gemstones discovered. Early trading of emeralds ranged from India to Egypt with Egypt monopolizing the trade until the 1500s when Spaniards discovered emeralds in South America, specifically Columbia. These jewels helped provide Spain and the rest of Europe with a tremendous source of riches to fund their empires through the colonial era. Emeralds have graced the crowns of such dynasties as the Ottoman Turks and the Shahs of Persia. Throughout this history emeralds have been attributed many mystical properties such as the ability to cure ailments such as poor eyesight, snake bites, dysentery, epilepsy, circulatory disorders and heart disease. Representing the color of life, emeralds have also been attributed the power to provide immortality and foresee the future. For females, emeralds have been reputed to not only heighten fertility, but also increase their sexual motivation. Perhaps this is the reason the Romans dedicated emeralds to their goddess of love, Venus. Emeralds also hold a place in religious tradition. As green is the holy color of Islam, emeralds have always been held in high regard including carpeting the Garden of Paradise. In Christian lore, the culmination of the quest of King Arthur’s knights was the Holy Grail. Some Grail legends tell of the Grail being constructed of a single emerald that fell from Satan’s crown as he was banished to hell. Emeralds are most famously mined in Brazil and Columbia; however, they are also mined in Zambia, Tanzania, South Africa, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Australia, and Russia. In the United States, North Carolina is a source of emeralds. Emeralds are the birthstone for May and the traditional wedding anniversary gift for the 20th and 25th anniversaries. In the zodiac realm, emeralds represent Cancer and Sagittarius. To care for an emerald, avoid hot water and heavy detergents. Best is lukewarm water with a clean, soft toothbrush. Chemical Formula: Be3Al2Si6O18 + Cr Mohs hardness scale: 7.5 - 8 Crystal Shape: Hexagonal Refraction index: approx. 1.57 – 1.59 Specific gravity: 2.63 – 2.78