Emerald
EMERALD TECHNICAL DATA
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Species ------------------------------Beryl
Chemical
Formula---Be3 Al
2(SiO3
)6
Birthstone
-----------------------------May
Anniversary
Stone--------20th & 35th
*Mohs
Scale Hardness--------------#8
Durability-
---------------Fair but Brittle
*Refractive
Index----------1.578-1.586
*Specific
Gravity-----------------2.71+/-
Significance
of these* data (FAQ # 5)
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EMERALD ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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Color
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The color of Emerald ranges from pale green,
through rich green to very dark green.
The color can also very from slightly
yellow-green to slightly blue-green. The very rich green of Emerald is due to
a very slight chromium component.
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Inclusions
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Most Emeralds contain inclusions of varying size
and quantity: in fact, very few Emeralds are
Eye
Clean (FAQ # 7d)
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Sources
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The majority of fine Emeralds come from Columbia.
Emeralds of lower quality come from Brazil, Africa and India.
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Treatment
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Many Emeralds are oiled. Although not permanent
this does improve the appearance of the Emeralds by making the inclusions that
reach the surface less obvious. Gilson and a few other companies do create a
synthetic (FAQ #8)
Emerald which is fairly expensive to produce.
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Care
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Although relatively hard Emerald is quite brittle
and the setting must be properly designed to protect the stone. The
professional who sets the Emerald will usually do so "only at the owner's
risk". The wearer should protect the stone from accidental knocks. Emeralds
will not tolerate heat, ultrasonic or steam cleaning.
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Lore
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The rich, verdant green of Emerald and other green
stones such as Imperial Jade has always been highly revered by ancient
civilizations .
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Uses
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Emerald is best used in a well protected ladies'
ring or for pendants or earrings.
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Alternatives
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Although more rare, both Chrome
Tourmaline and Tsavorite
are more durable and less expensive than Emerald. All three stones have a
chromium component which produces the rich "Emerald" green color.
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Value
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Very light or very dark Emeralds have little
value. Also highly included Emeralds have limited value. As the clarity of the
Emerald and richness of it's color improves, the value soars so that a fine
rich, green Emerald will approach or even surpass the value of a fine diamond.
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RETURN TO EMERALD
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