Everything you need to know about emerald

Gems are riveted and will always be riveted on people's eyes. But just as fully imagining everything that is connected with them, you can appreciate the advantages of minerals.

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

Along with the main color, it may be present and blue notes. The high cost, which makes it possible to attribute emeralds to the number of precious stones, is due precisely to its attractive color. Green tone due to the fact that the composition of the stone is a small amount of chromium. Some minerals may contain vanadium instead of chromium. The characteristics of the untreated samples are determined primarily by the place from where they are taken.

They are considered one of the most durable natural substances on Earth. Some geologists believe that the longer a rock is under the ground, the harder it becomes. The key to determining the value of a sample is its transparency.

Emerald, diamond and ruby ​​- this "triumvirate" of mineral jewelry, no doubt leading in price. Naturally, the cleanest stones after cutting are of the highest price. An additional advantage is the absence of visually noticeable deformations. Emerald lovers value instances weighing about 6 carats the most. 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 may have different densities. Those stones, which are mined in Russia and Colombia, have a specific density of 2,712. The density of South African products is 2.77. In Brazil, this parameter is noticeably less - only 2.67. Found that the densest stones contain cesium and rubidium.

It will never be possible to find out exactly when they began to extract emeralds from deposits purposefully. But it is authentically known that in the 4th century BC the Babylonians launched the trade in this mineral. And the first data about the serious development of the field appeared 37 centuries ago. In ancient Egypt, mining of emeralds began near the shore 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 21st, Colombia is the undisputed leader in the industrial extraction of emeralds. Approximately another 1 out of every 5 green stones exported from Zambia. Despite its lesser fame, Zambian products differ much better quality. In our country, the main region of the emerald industry is the Urals.. About 300 years ago it was considered a part of Siberia, and that is why all the old mentions of Siberian emeralds actually belong to the Urals.

Like any other decorative minerals, emerald in a number of cultures traditionally endowed with magical properties. It was assumed that this crystal:

• suppresses headaches;

• relieves nightmares;

• stabilizes sleep;

• helps to fight infectious diseases, with psoriasis;

• eliminates night blindness, disorders of gastrointestinal activity.

Both ancient and modern mystics believe that the emerald is great for meditation. There are a number of other prejudices, in particular, concerning the influence of emerald on the character of the owner. As if it helps to make people more active, to cope with the desire to steal, deceive and lead a dissolute life. It is believed that the precious crystal, while maintaining the same flaws, can cause damage to the owner, and if this does not change things, then it itself splits. The mythical "energy" of the house also clears the stone.

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

Relevant myths are rooted in ancient Egypt. As for later religions and mystical teachings, in them the emerald is attributed to the properties associated with the "otherworldly" world. Large crystals are actively used in occult rites, they are associated with immortality and reincarnation. But the mystics say that the stone can "accumulate negative energy." There are other statements - for example, that overnight the emerald can give the water in a glass a rejuvenating properties.

Colombian green stones are herbal colored. Only minor deformations are characteristic of them. In addition to the main species, the so-called trapiche is mined in Colombia. This type of stone has a pattern like a wheel. Six “spokes”, like rays, depart from the middle of the mineral.

Zambian species stands out among all the others with superb beauty. The crystals delivered from this African country are distinguished by perfect purity and transparency. For them thick green is typical. Some Zambian stones come in yellow or blue. Ural emerald is always large and painted in a dark green tone. Light crystals are mined in South Africa, but they are rather cloudy; Only cabochon is suitable for processing.

Quite significant deposits are found in:

• Austria;

• Egypt;

• Norway

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

Ural emeralds are sometimes called Malyshevsky (in the main deposit). Their deposits were discovered quite by accident, at the beginning of the XIX century. There is a mention that strange green stones were noticed once during the tree's clearing. Not even immediately attached 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 made by obtaining an artificial product. Russian industry has mastered the production of emerald brushes. They are obtained by deposition on beryl. In a number of foreign countries, such a product is also made; He received name emeraldonita.

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

Of course, evenly colored minerals are sometimes found in the 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 this is a fake. DFor imitation emeralds apply:

• compacted quartz powder;

• simple beryl dyed with various pigments;

• inexpensive green stones.

Determination of fakes is impossible without accurate knowledge of the gemmological properties of a natural product. Along with chrome-diopside, forgers use tsavorite, fluorite, tourmaline, emerald spar (also known as actinolite). Deceivers who do not intend to make their lives very difficult, give out a fianite or even plain colored glass for emerald. The differences will be:

• minimum density;

• features of appearance;

• sensations when touched.

Traditionally, many people think that all emeralds are cut and then transferred to jewelers. But it is not. It is worth noting that only occasionally this stone is used to prepare abrasives and for metal processing. A number of second-grade minerals are used in industry.

The vast majority of gem-quality emeralds are characterized by uneven, irregular geometry. Because jewelers prefer to cut it on a cabochon pattern. This solution allows you to make the color of the stone richer. An additional advantage is the reduction of the risk of a split in 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).

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) application of emerald raw materials, it must be emphasized that the old (dating back to ancient Egypt) cutting techniques are still used. A more modern approach is the so-called step processing. When it is cut 4 corners, and this allows to reduce to a minimum the shock load that can destroy the stone.

The value for a man of green stone is determined largely by personal preferences and tastes. Wear it in jewelry can both men and women. But we must take into account the importance attached to this stone in astrology. Yes, it has already been repeatedly and fundamentally exposed, however, the presentation of a gift is unlikely to serve as a rationale for "educational performance." If a person really believes in all this, you can at least find another place and time to communicate on this topic.

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

• pearls;

• opals;

• alexandrites;

• topazes;

• heliotrope

A green semi-precious stone can approach a white metal setting. Whether it is gold or platinum, does not really matter. To give in a silver shell you need either artificial stones, or those that are made by personal order. Emerald can be used in any jewelry. But you have to understand that such jewelry is worn only on special occasions.

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

Presentation to respectable men:

• powerful silver or platinum rings;

• tie clips;

• cufflinks with rectangular stones.

Representatives of the bohemians are increasingly wearing now casually looking large jewelry, inserted into which the stones do not polish. Blackened silver can also be used in these accessories. Large crystal should be worn alone. Otherwise, its effect may be disturbed. Pendants, pendants or earrings with emeralds are recommended for everyday use.

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

The perfection of processing can play an important role. But here it is necessary to take into account the important difference. When selling in jewelry stores more expensive are high-quality emeralds. But collectors prefer those instances that are minimally modified or not cut at all.

Another factor affecting the price is the mass of the mineral. Usually heavy samples are more expensive. Small are emeralds weighing up to 0.5 carats. If the mass is greater than this size, but less than 1 carat, then the stone is considered average in size. From 1 to 10 are large samples. Finally, the mineral over 10 carats will be assigned to a very large group.

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

• synthesized stones;

• chrysoberyl;

• corundum;

• tourmaline;

• zircons;

• stained glass;

• chrysolite;

• verdeite.

Genuine samples have albeit slightly muffled, but always green color of pure reflux. "Bottle" and "swamp" tones are not allowed. If the mineral is lighter than normal, then almost certainly it is beryl. Synthetics exhibit an unusual brilliant shine.

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

Professional jewelers and appraisers are actively using ultraviolet dough. The crystals synthesized at the plant emit a brown-orange glow when irradiated with ultraviolet light. But the disadvantage of such a test is that some natural minerals can also glow. Benefit brings and color filtering scheme "Chelsea".

This filtering results in the following result:

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

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

• pure green color in case of forgery.

Chrysolite in daylight show yellowness.If they are illuminated with electric light, a characteristic greenish ebb will appear. Another test is for darkening. Genuine emeralds do not become darker if they are in the water, or they are illuminated for a long time by sunlight.

Because of this, the vast majority of samples “improve” using various reagents. It is possible to identify the impregnation with colored resin by putting a stone in a solution of detergents or washing means. 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 be revealed.

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

• washing;

• cooking;

• cleaning;

• minor repairs;

• gardening;

• other household chores.

You can wear jewelry and jewelry with them only after applying makeup. Many cosmetics and perfumes can damage the gem. In the house it should be stored in a box or in another closed box. If this is not possible, the stone is wrapped in soft matter. Given the precious properties, emeralds should be kept in a strong safe: too many people want to appropriate them.

If the jewelry is clogged, covered with dirt, then they should be soaked in a warm solution of toilet soap. Very strong blockages are removed with a soft cloth or small brush. It is advisable not only to buy emeralds, but also to pay for their coverage with a protective layer. Apply it can any jewelers. Such a cover helps not to be afraid of deformations.

Returning to the choice of emeralds, it should be mentioned that the origin of the mineral must be clearly described in the cabin. 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 Bogota. They have a medium or 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. At the same time, an act of gemological analysis should be provided for 100% of the stones. Not necessarily, but very desirable and the availability of EGL certificates.

With such documents, the total value of the stone grows. But for the sale of emeralds on the international market (outside Russia) they are necessary. You can get these certificates in our country. For protection against forgery, these documents are not inferior to foreign models. Certificates will be useful when selling not only jewelry, but also raw stones.

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

Professionally grown emeralds can be distinguished from natural with a refractometer. This device is available not only to owners of gemological laboratories, but also to individuals. However, it will have to pay quite a lot of money. Without special skills to get the right result is impossible. Because it makes sense to turn all the same to the professionals. To distinguish emeralds from glass imitations, one can pay attention to thermal conductivity; glass warms up faster than natural stone.

The best jewelry with emeralds - those where the stone was placed in the nest frame. It eliminates all possible damage, cracks and even small scratches. Additional minerals in them can be diamonds and white sapphires. They effectively protect the stone from mechanical stress.

When washing emeralds, it is unacceptable to use too hot water. The washing liquid should be used in a small volume. 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 washed in warm water. Before further use, wipe dry everything.

Mineral cleaning is done a maximum of 3 or 4 times a year. Do not clean it with steam, ultrasound, gasoline or organic solvents. Such substances can dissolve and wash fortifying oils. Oil refining is done only with the help of professionals. Do it yourself 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 copy was also found in Brazil. By the way, it was processed in the same place. In total, there are over 6,000 mined deposits in Brazilian territory, where emerald is mined.

And in the Roman period, none other than the notorious emperor Nero used green beryl as a monocle. Through this stone, he looked at the gladiator fights. However, this “monocle” disappeared after the death of the emperor. It is worth remembering that with all the strength of the emerald is very fragile. Even a weak blow can cause cracks.

Even “explosive” emeralds are distinguished into a separate group. Gradually, they will break up into many pieces. The cause of these phenomena is a significant internal stress. The name of the stone itself goes back to the Sanskrit and Arabic words for green. Other ancient languages ​​use a name that reminds of the shine of a mineral.

The Austrian State Museum exhibits a bowl, which in the XVIII century was cut from emerald 0.1 m high. It was made in Italy from Colombian raw materials. Despite the documented origin of the masterpiece, there are various legends. Up to the beginning of our era, emeralds were mined only in Egypt. There is still a lot of old workings on the shores of the Red Sea.

On the diagnosis of fake emeralds, see the following video.