Everything you need to know about the emerald

Precious stones have riveted and will always rivet the eyes of people. But only by fully imagining everything that is associated with them, you can appreciate the advantages of minerals.

Most people's perception of emerald is very superficial. Usually they only remember that it looks like a green crystal. But the importance of emeralds in culture and mythology is very great. A number of peoples assigned this mineral a very important place. Geologists have long established that the green gem is a subspecies of beryl.

Along with the main color, it may also have blue notes. The high cost, which makes it possible to classify emeralds as gemstones, is due precisely to its attractive color. The green tone is due to the fact that a small amount of chromium is present in the composition of the stone. Certain varieties of the mineral may contain vanadium instead of chromium. The characteristics of untreated samples are primarily determined by the place from which they were taken.

They are considered some of the most durable natural substances on Earth. Some geologists believe that the longer the rock is underground, the harder it becomes. Transparency is key to determining the value of a sample.

Emerald, diamond and ruby ​​- this "triumvirate" of mineral jewelry, indisputably leading in price. Naturally, the purest stones after cutting have the highest price. An additional plus is the absence of visually noticeable deformations. Emerald admirers most of all value specimens weighing about 6 carats. They are ready to pay almost unlimited money for their dream.

It should be noted that in different emerald regions of the planet, the mineral can have a different density. The stones that are mined in Russia and Colombia have a specific gravity of 2.712. The density of South African products is 2.77. In Brazil, this parameter is noticeably less - only 2.67. It has been established that the densest stones contain cesium and rubidium.

It will never be possible to find out exactly when they began to extract emeralds from the deposits on purpose. But it is reliably known that in the IV century BC, the Babylonians launched a trade in this mineral. And the first data on the serious development of the field appeared 37 centuries ago. In ancient Egypt, the extraction of emeralds began near the coast of the Red Sea. But those deposits that were exploited in antiquity and even in the Middle Ages are no longer of particular interest to industry.

At the beginning of the XXI century, the undisputed leader in the industrial extraction of emeralds is Colombia. About 1 more out of every 5 green stones are exported from Zambia. Despite the lesser popularity, Zambian products are of much better quality. In our country, the main region of the emerald industry is the Urals... Approximately 300 years ago, it was considered a part of Siberia, and that is why all ancient references to Siberian emeralds actually refer to the Urals.

Like any other decorative mineral, emerald has traditionally been endowed with magical properties in a number of cultures. This crystal was supposed to be:

• suppresses headaches;

• relieves nightmares;

• stabilizes sleep;

• helps to fight infectious diseases, psoriasis;

• eliminates night blindness, disorders of gastrointestinal activity.

Both ancient and modern mystics believe that emerald is great for meditation. There are a number of other prejudices, in particular, concerning the influence of the emerald on the character of the owner. As if he helps to make people more active, to cope with the desire to steal, deceive and lead a dissolute lifestyle. It is believed that a precious crystal, while retaining the previous vices, can harm the owner, and if this does not change things, then it breaks by itself. The stone also seems to cleanse the mythical "energy" of the house.

There are other mythological properties of the emerald. For example, they claim that this stone is resistant to various diseases and the "evil eye". This is believed to be important during pregnancy and lactation. The mystics claim that a green stone will help to cope with negative character traits. As if he is able to cope with conflicts and quarrels between people.

The related myths have their roots in ancient Egypt. As for later religions and mystical teachings, they attribute the properties of emerald to communicate with the "other world". Large crystals are actively used in occult rituals, they are associated with immortality and reincarnation. But the mystics claim that the stone can "accumulate negative energy." There are other statements - for example, that overnight an emerald can give water in a glass rejuvenating properties.

Colombian green stones are painted in a grassy tone. They are characterized by only slight deformations. In addition to the main variety, the so-called "trapiche" is mined in Colombia. This type of stone has a wheel-like pattern. Six "spokes", like rays, extend from the center of the mineral.

The Zambian species stands out among all the others for its excellent beauty. Crystals shipped from this African country stand out for their perfect clarity and clarity. A dense green color is typical for them. Some Zambian stones are yellow or blue in color. The Ural emerald is always large and colored in a dark green tone. On the territory of South Africa, light crystals are mined, but they are rather cloudy; only cabochon is suitable for processing.

Quite significant deposits have been found in:

• Austria;

• Egypt;

• Norway.

More or less large production was organized in France and Italy, Spain and Germany. A certain amount of emerald raw materials is supplied from Kazakhstan or is of Swiss origin... The Brazilian emerald is transparent and of high quality. It is characterized by yellowish notes.

Ural emeralds are sometimes called Malyshev emeralds (according to the main deposit). Their deposits were discovered quite by accident, at the beginning of the 19th century. There is a mention that once, while uprooting a tree, strange green stones were noticed. They did not even immediately attach importance to this fact. When the finds were at the disposal of specialists, they were amazed not only by the case itself, but also by the quality of the mineral.

Occasionally, the fabrication of green stones is done by obtaining an artificial product. The Russian industry has mastered the production of emerald brushes. They are obtained by precipitation on beryl. In a number of foreign countries, such a product is also made; he received the name emeraldonite.

Chemically and physically synthesized mineral is almost as good as natural samples. The difference is only in the price. Strictly speaking, the goods received at the factory cannot be considered a fake.... However, its origin must be clearly indicated in the descriptions or in the accompanying documentation. Skillful imitation can only be established with the help of specialists. Both types of emeralds can be defective. The only difference is what exactly these defects are. Natural stone has small cracks and veins.

Of course, sometimes evenly colored minerals are found in deposits. But they are extremely rare, and the cost of such products is very high. Therefore, if a very pure emerald is sold at an affordable price, then there is no doubt that it is a fake. DTo imitate emeralds are used:

• compacted quartz powder;

• simple beryls colored with various pigments;

• inexpensive green stones.

Determination of counterfeits is impossible without accurate knowledge of the gemological properties of a natural product. Along with chrome diopside, counterfeiters use tsavorite, fluorite, tourmaline, emerald spar (aka actinolite). The deceivers, who are not going to make their life much more difficult, pass off cubic zirconia or even simple painted glass as an emerald. The differences will be:

• minimum density;

• features of the external appearance;

• sensations when touched.

Traditionally, many people think that all emeralds are cut and then passed on to jewelers. But this is not the case. It should be noted that only occasionally such a stone is used for the preparation of abrasives and for metal processing. A number of second-class minerals are used in industry.

The overwhelming majority of gem-quality emeralds are characterized by uneven, irregular geometry. That is why jewelers prefer to cut it in a cabochon pattern. This solution allows you to make the color of the stone richer. An added benefit is the reduction in the risk of splitting at the corners.Emerald-based decorative items are valued not only by private owners; quite a few of them are collected in museums, the Diamond Fund (and its foreign counterparts).

The technical emerald is needed for the production of some solid-state lasers. Artificially synthesized stones are used in such a promising industry as quantum electronics. Returning to the main (jewelry) use of emerald raw materials, it should be emphasized that ancient (rooted in ancient Egypt) cutting techniques are still used. A more modern approach is the so-called staggered processing. With it, 4 corners are cut, and this allows you to minimize the shock load that can destroy the stone.

The meaning of a green stone for a person is determined in many ways by personal preferences and tastes. Both men and women can wear it in jewelry. But one must take into account the importance attached to this stone in astrology. Yes, it has already been repeatedly and fundamentally exposed, but the presentation of the gift is unlikely to serve as a justification for an "educational speech." If a person really believes in all this, you can at least find another place and time to communicate on this topic.

Astrologers note that emerald is perfect for Gemini and Cancer. It is categorically contraindicated for Scorpios. All other signs are only allowed to wear this stone, but they do not make a mandatory recommendation from this. Also, eastern horoscopes classify emeralds as "stones of the air element." They indicate that they cannot be worn with:

• pearls;

• opals;

• alexandrite;

• topaz;

• heliotrope.

A green gemstone can match a white metal setting. Whether it's gold or platinum doesn't really matter. You need to donate in a silver shell either artificial stones or those that are made to your personal order. Emerald can be used in any piece of jewelry. But one must understand that such jewelry is worn only on especially solemn occasions.

If you have a lot of money, you can give an emerald surrounded by a scattering of diamonds and framed with platinum or gold. But this is already the most elegant solution. Rings with emeralds are appropriate to give for a wedding or engagement.

Respectable men are presented with:

• powerful rings made of silver or platinum;

• tie clips;

• cufflinks with rectangular stones.

Representatives of bohemia are now increasingly wearing casually-looking large jewelry, inserted into which the stones are not polished. Blackened silver can also be used in these accessories. The large crystal must be worn one by one. Otherwise, its effect may be impaired. Pendants, pendants or earrings with emeralds are recommended for everyday use.

It is believed that the brighter and thicker the tonality of the stone, the more expensive it is. Even if a bright green stone has inclusions, it will be valued more than an insufficiently colored transparent mineral. But not every inclusion will be approved. On the market, preference is given to atypical inclusions.

Processing perfection can also play an important role. But here an important difference must be taken into account. When sold in jewelry stores, high-quality cut emeralds are more expensive. But collectors prefer those specimens that have been minimally altered or not cut at all.

Another factor affecting the price will necessarily be the mass of the mineral. Usually heavyweight samples are more expensive. Emeralds weighing up to 0.5 carats are considered small. If the mass is greater than this value, but less than 1 carat, then the stone is recognized as average in size. 1 to 10 are large samples. Finally, a mineral over 10 carats will be classified in a very large group.

Bright green stones cost in the region of $ 2,000 per carat. With a pale color, the price will be approximately $ 500. And artificially produced minerals cost about 200 conventional units. When selecting, it is important to exclude the purchase of fakes. Real emeralds must be distinguished from:

• synthesized stones;

• chrysoberyl;

• corundum;

• tourmalines;

• zircons;

• painted glass;

• chrysolite;

• verdeite.

Authentic samples have a slightly muted, but invariably pure green color. "Bottle" and "swamp" tones are unacceptable. If the mineral is lighter than the norm, then it is almost certainly beryl. Synthetics exhibit an unusual brilliant shine.

It is worth looking at the edges of crystals - in nature they are distinguished by their clarity and sharpness, good contours. If the edges are smoothed, then this is almost always a characteristic feature of falsification. A high-quality natural stone, if turned, should change its golden tone to a bluish tint or vice versa. As for the internal structure, in natural stones it is invariably uniform and does not have any deviations from homogeneity. Only very large minerals contain small cracks or slight deformations.

Professional jewelers and appraisers actively use the UV test. The crystals synthesized at the plant emit a brown-orange glow when irradiated with ultraviolet light. But the disadvantage of this test is that some natural minerals can also glow. Chelsea color filtering is also beneficial.

With this filtering, the following result is obtained:

• pink and reddish tones - in the case of natural stone;

• rich red color - if it was made at the factory;

• pure green color in case of counterfeiting.

Chrysolites show yellowness in daylight. If they are illuminated with electric light, a characteristic greenish tint will appear. Another test is for darkening. Genuine emeralds do not darken if they are in water or are exposed to sunlight for a long time.

Because of this, the vast majority of samples are "improved" using various reagents. You can reveal the impregnation of colored resin by placing a stone in a solution of detergents or detergents. The pigment will gradually dissolve and the natural color will return. At the same time, all those deformations that suppliers are trying to hide will come to light.

The high durability of emeralds makes it almost impossible to accidentally damage them. It is very difficult even to specially create such conditions at home when the stone would be mechanically destroyed. But we must remember that this mineral does not survive contact with cosmetics, with household chemicals, with clean water. Store the emerald in a cool, dark place. All decorations, as well as individual stones, must be removed when doing:

• washing;

• cooking;

• cleaning;

• minor repairs;

• garden work;

• other household chores.

You can put on jewelry and jewelry with them only after applying makeup. Many cosmetics and perfumery products can damage the gem. In the house, it must be stored in a box or in another closed box. If this is not possible, the stone is wrapped in a soft material. Considering their precious properties, emeralds should be kept in a strong safe: there are too many people willing to appropriate them.

If the jewelry is clogged, covered with dirt, then they must be soaked in a warm solution of toilet soap. Remove very stubborn blockages with a soft cloth or small brush. It is advisable not only to buy emeralds, but also to pay for their covering with a protective layer. Any jeweler can apply it. This kind of cover helps you not to be afraid of deformations.

Returning to the choice of emeralds, it should be mentioned that the salon must clearly describe the origin of the mineral. Those products that are grown artificially sometimes look more beautiful than natural specimens. But they should cost less.

The most expensive and high-quality stones are mined in the vicinity of Bogotá. They have a medium to dark green tone. It is worth remembering that residents of Russia have the right to buy and sell emeralds officially only after registering as entrepreneurs in the relevant specialization. In this case, a gemological analysis report must be provided for 100% of stones. EGL certification is optional, but highly desirable.

With such documents, the total cost of the stone rises. But for the sale of emeralds on the international market (outside Russia), they are necessary. You can get similar certificates in our country. In terms of protection against counterfeiting, these documents are not inferior to foreign samples. Certificates will come in handy in the sale of not only jewelry, but also rough stones.

In some cases, counterfeiters take emerald plates and glue them together with glue. In appearance, such products differ little from natural stone.

Professionally grown emeralds can be distinguished from natural emeralds using a refractometer. This device is available not only to the owners of gemological laboratories, but also to individuals. However, quite a lot of money will have to be paid for it. It is impossible to get the correct result without special skills. Therefore, it makes sense to turn to professionals. To distinguish emeralds from glass fakes, you can pay attention to thermal conductivity; glass heats up faster than natural stone.

The best jewelry with emeralds is where the stone is placed in a nesting frame. It excludes all possible damage, cracks and even minor scratches. Additional minerals in them can be diamonds and white sapphires. They will effectively protect the stone from mechanical stress.

When washing emeralds, it is unacceptable to use too hot water. The cleaning liquid should be used in small quantities. It is necessary to keep the stones in the solution for 10 minutes. After washing, they should be cleaned with a soft cloth or an old toothbrush. Washed minerals or jewelry with them are washed in warm water. Wipe everything dry before further use.

The mineral is cleaned a maximum of 3 or 4 times a year. It cannot be cleaned with steam, ultrasound, gasoline and organic solvents. Such substances can dissolve and wash out the firming oils. Re-oiling is done only with the help of professionals. You can't do it with your own hands.

The world's largest emerald weighing 28 kg was discovered in Brazilian mines in 1974. If we talk about the largest faceted sample, then it weighed more than 7 kg. This specimen was also found in Brazil. By the way, they processed it in the same place. All in all, there are over 6 thousand developed deposits on the Brazilian territory, where emerald is mined.

And in the ancient Roman period, none other than the infamous emperor Nero used green beryl as a monocle. Through this stone, he looked at the gladiatorial battles. However, this "monocle" disappeared after the death of the emperor. It is worth remembering that for all its strength, emerald is very fragile.Even a slight blow can lead to cracks.

Even "explosive" emeralds are distinguished into a separate group. Gradually, they will disintegrate into many pieces. The reason for these phenomena is a significant internal tension. The very name of the stone goes back to Sanskrit and Arabic words for green. In other ancient languages, a name is used that recalls the shine of the mineral.

The Austrian State Museum exhibits a bowl that was carved from emerald 0.1 m high in the 18th century. It was made in Italy from Colombian raw materials. Despite the proven origin of the masterpiece, there are various legends. Until the beginning of our era, emeralds were mined only in Egypt. Until now, many ancient workings have survived on the shores of the Red Sea.

For diagnostics of fake emeralds, see the next video.