General Info
About Emeralds
Emerald is a stone with a vitreous luster that is transparent to translucent in nature. But how to identify a genuine emerald?
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Gemology
Gem-related Field
Emerald
Some Information About Emeralds
Emerald is a stone with a vitreous luster that is transparent to translucent in nature. The morphology of emerald crystals may provide information about the stone's origin. This is due to the fact that emerald crystals are short hexagonal prisms. They may also be tabular in shape with flat ends. This property of emerald crystals is likely due to the gem's forming conditions, which can be pegmatic, hydrothermal, or metamorphic.
As a consequence, unlike diamonds, emeralds do not have purity indexes. In contrast to colored resin injection, which denatures the stone, impregnation in fine oils is a legal technique that is often used to intensify the color or mask a portion of the inclusions (for more information on cedarwood oil, please read our article on www.gem-matrix.com/cedarwoodandemeralds).
As a consequence, unlike diamonds, emeralds do not have purity indexes. In contrast to colored resin injection, which denatures the stone, impregnation in fine oils is a legal technique that is often used to intensify the color or mask a portion of the inclusions (for more information on cedarwood oil, please read our article on www.gem-matrix.com/cedarwoodandemeralds).
Emerald is a mineral that belongs to the silicate group, subgroup of cyclosilicates, and variation of beryl, and gets its green color from traces of chromium, vanadium, and sometimes iron. Emerald is one of the four precious stones, along with diamond, sapphire, and ruby.
Emerald
Myths And Legends About Emeralds
According to legend, the Grail was made from an emerald or set with emerald fragments that once fell from Lucifer's forehead. This holy cup, which appeared in Chrétien de Troyes' Arthurian legends, was thought to have collected the blood of Christ from the five crucifixion wounds. It was most likely linked to the Celtic symbolism of the Cauldron of Dagda; only the purest Knights of the Round Table were allowed to see it.
Pliny the Elder claims in his "Natural History" that the emerald has the most stunning green hue, so much so that nothing else looks green after looking at it. He claims that the sight of an emerald rests the eye and restores sight. Pliny also discusses a number of stones under the rubric of beryllus, and he mentions that some people thought smaragdus was the same or rather similar to these stones. Emperor Nero, who suffered from myopia, sought to enhance his vision by watching gladiatorial fights through a thin emerald blade.
Pliny the Elder claims in his "Natural History" that the emerald has the most stunning green hue, so much so that nothing else looks green after looking at it. He claims that the sight of an emerald rests the eye and restores sight. Pliny also discusses a number of stones under the rubric of beryllus, and he mentions that some people thought smaragdus was the same or rather similar to these stones. Emperor Nero, who suffered from myopia, sought to enhance his vision by watching gladiatorial fights through a thin emerald blade.
Zambian Emerald 8.01
The Question
How To Identify A Genuine Emerald?
Buyers should be cautious, as some emeralds may be entirely fake. Follow these simple steps and make note of the following points. Remember to request a certificate if you are still unsure about the authenticity of an emerald.
Look for a shimmering effect. True emeralds have little to no "fire," or bursts of colour that occur when exposed to light. If your stone flashes in a rainbow pattern, it is not an emerald.
Verify if the facets are blunt. Glass and other delicate materials deteriorate rapidly. If the facets' edges look blunt, the stone is most likely a counterfeit. Fake glass "stones" often acquire an "orange peel" texture, and their facets' edges are often slightly rounded. Look for these peculiarities with light magnifying glass.
Furthermore, air bubbles are difficult to detect in the crystalline substance of naturally crystallized emeralds. Instead, they are contained in a fluid-filled cavity. Following a cooling and solidification process, we obtain the famous three-phase of Colombia, which is a series of inclusions with three phases (solid, gas, liquid). This character unmistakably identifies genuine Colombian emeralds.
Look for a shimmering effect. True emeralds have little to no "fire," or bursts of colour that occur when exposed to light. If your stone flashes in a rainbow pattern, it is not an emerald.
Verify if the facets are blunt. Glass and other delicate materials deteriorate rapidly. If the facets' edges look blunt, the stone is most likely a counterfeit. Fake glass "stones" often acquire an "orange peel" texture, and their facets' edges are often slightly rounded. Look for these peculiarities with light magnifying glass.
Furthermore, air bubbles are difficult to detect in the crystalline substance of naturally crystallized emeralds. Instead, they are contained in a fluid-filled cavity. Following a cooling and solidification process, we obtain the famous three-phase of Colombia, which is a series of inclusions with three phases (solid, gas, liquid). This character unmistakably identifies genuine Colombian emeralds.
At GemMatrix, we only sell genuine emeralds. We usually include a certificate with high-quality gemstones. On request, we can always certify stones with renowned gem labs such as IGA, LOTUS, GRS...
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Benjamin Poudevigne
Social Media Manager at GemMatrix
With over ten years of marketing experience, I finally decided to settle down in Bangkok to work in an area that I have always been interested in: the gemstones industry. I'm still learning how the market works on a daily basis, and I enjoy sharing my experience with those who are interested in learning more about gems in general.