Color: The most desirable emerald color is a rich, vibrant green with a hint of blue. The presence of chromium in the stone gives it its characteristic green hue. The intensity, tone, and saturation of the green color are important factors in determining an emerald’s value.
Hardness: Emerald is a relatively hard gemstone, but it is softer than some other popular gemstones, ranking 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. This means it can be susceptible to scratches and requires careful handling and maintenance.
Origin: The most significant sources of emeralds include Colombia, Brazil, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Each region produces emeralds with distinct qualities and characteristics. Colombian emeralds, in particular, are highly regarded for their deep green color and exceptional transparency.
Clarity: Natural emeralds often contain inclusions, which are internal characteristics formed during their growth process. These inclusions are known as “jardin” and can give the stone a unique appearance. Inclusions are accepted in emeralds as long as they do not significantly impact the stone’s overall beauty or structural integrity.
Treatment: It is common for emeralds to undergo treatment to improve their clarity and appearance. Traditional treatments include oiling or filling the fractures with a colorless oil or resin to enhance transparency and minimize the visibility of inclusions. Such treatments are considered an accepted practice in the emerald industry, but they should be disclosed when purchasing a stone.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.