Emerald

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Jewelry 101--Colored Stones
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  • Emerald

    Emerald

    Perhaps most well-known for its gorgeous green color and its numerous inclusions, or flaws, emeralds are considered one of the four precious gemstones along with diamonds, sapphires, and rubies. Unfortunately the availability of natural high-quality emeralds with few inclusions are limited and extremely expensive. Synthetic emeralds, however, produced in a lab but sharing virtually all of the chemical, optical, and physical characteristics of natural emeralds are readily available. Though much less valuable, synthetic emeralds often outshine their natural counterparts in clarity and color.




    Facts


    Specs


    Chemical FormulaBe3Al2SiO6Mineral ClassBeryl
    ColorGreen
    Crystal SystemHexagonalHardness7.5-8
    TransparencyTransparent to translucentLusterVitreous
    Refractory Index1.577 - 1.583Double Refraction0.005 - 0.009

    Legends

    Historically emeralds were believed to endow the wearer with the ability to foresee the future when placed under the tongue. It was also believed to reveal truth and protect against evil spells. Similarly wearing an emerald was believed to reveal the truth or falseness of a lover’s oath as well as make one an eloquent speaker.

    Believed to have endowed King Solomon with power over all creation, legend states that emerald was one of the four precious stones given to him by God.

    In the past emeralds were also believed to have medicinal powers. When held in the mouth, emeralds were said to cure dysentery, when looked into, to relieve eyestrain. Emeralds were also believed to assist women at childbirth by driving away evil spirits and to prevent epilepsy, shattering if it was unable to overcome a seizure.

    Legends say that Arab, Hindu, and Spanish physicians used emeralds against poison and infection.

    Many ancient tales about India tell of fabulously wealthy cities with walls or entire temples made of emeralds and other precious materials.

    Hindus believe that those offering emeralds to the god Krishna will receive “Knowledge of the Soul and the Eternal.” Hindu teachings also associate emerald with the planet Mercury, such as in the traditional “nine-gem” Navaratna jewel setting.

    Other civilizations offer precious gems to their gods, too. In the 16th century CE, the Spanish historian Francisco López de Gómara wrote about the natives of northern South America and noted that they “burned gold and emeralds” before images of the Sun and Moon, their highest divinities.

    The people of the Peruvian city of Manta worshipped an emerald the size of an ostrich egg believing it was the goddess Umina. According to them, her followers should worship “The Mother Emerald” by bringing her “Daughters”, smaller emeralds, to her.

    Today it is believed by some that emerald is an excellent stone for reviving passion, whether for an interest, a person, or a job. It is also believed that wearing or carrying an emerald out of sight near the heart can attract romantic love and can call back an estranged love by holding the stone close to your lips and speaking the words you wish to say, then sealing it in an envelope.

    In tumble stone form, it is believed that emerald promotes good self-esteem, especially in restoring the confidence of young girls or teens or any young person made to feel inferior.

    Believed to be a stone of inspiration, emerald is considered to open the heart, clear and strengthen one’s connection to Diving Love, and sustain one’s spiritual journey.


    Chakra

    Emerald is considered to open and nurture the heart and heart chakra. As a stone of inspiration and infinite patience it embodies unity, compassion, and unconditional love.

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