Emerald is another one of the beautiful gemstones we have here at Lee Dorn Jewelers. Emeralds are a gem-quality specimen of the beryl mineral family with a rich, distinctly green color. Emeralds occur in a small number of locations worldwide in metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. People have considered them one of the most desirable and valuable-colored stones for over 5000 years. The birthstone for those born in May and the traditional 20th wedding anniversary gift is the Emerald.
In addition, it, along with ruby and sapphire, comprises the “big three” of colored stones. The “big three” generates more economic activity than all other colored stones combined.
It’s Green Color
The mineral Beryl, which is a variety of Beryl, gives Emerald its green color. Chromium in the mineral causes it to develop a green color, although it is mainly colorless and known as goshenite. The presence of trace amounts of iron in the mineral will result in emerald taking on a bluish-green or yellowish-green hue depending upon its oxidation state. It is identified by its green color. If the stone is greenish-blue it is an aquamarine and if it is a greenish-yellow it is a heliodor. Ensuring that it has a rich green color is important.
It’s Durability
It’s are fragile stones that are best worn as rings, earrings, or pendants. They have a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the MOHS hardness scale, which is a very good hardness yet many emeralds contain numerous inclusions or surface-reaching fractures. These factors can weaken the gem, causing it to become brittle and susceptible to breakage. Emeralds are expected to exhibit certain characteristics, and it is uncommon to find an emerald that doesn’t have inclusions or surface-reaching fractures visible to the unaided eye.
Where Found?
Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, Ethiopia, and Zimbabwe reliably mine commercial amounts of emeralds and are the main producers of this gemstone. The United States has only mined a small number of emeralds, with a few tiny mines in North Carolina producing sporadic quantities since the late 1800s.
Imitation Emeralds
The market offers imitation emeralds or it alternatives that closely resemble the natural gem. Manufacturers produce these imitations as substitutes and charge the full price.
If you have that special birthday, that special someone, or just because, we have a wide variety of Emerald Jewelry that we will be happy to show you, or you can customize something special. Come in, call, or contact us today.