1. What is an Emerald? No One Really Knows!
You may think it’s a no-brainer that Emerald gemstones are simply the green variety of beryl. However, there is actually no consensus among gem experts as to the degree of green color necessary to be classified as an Emerald, as opposed to the lighter green stone of the same chemical makeup, Green Beryl. If it’s a strong green it’s definitely an Emerald, if it’s a light green it’s surely Green Beryl, but there is a hazy middle ground and no clear line of separation among the two gemstones. As a result, the most sought after and valuable Emeralds have a bluish green to pure green color with vivid color saturation.
2. High Quality Emerald Gemstones Are Included
When people think of valuable precious gemstones, eye clean clarity is usually necessary for the stone to be desirable. But when it comes to Emeralds, inclusions are accepted and even celebrated. While there are eye clean Emeralds, they are extremely rare and expensive, and the vast majority have inclusions that are visible to the naked eye. The inclusions within an Emerald gemstone are often described as garden-like or mossy, and eye visible inclusions considered are acceptable even in the higher quality Emeralds.
3. The First Emerald Mines Were in Egypt
Ancient Egypt has the first known Emerald mines, dating back to 330 BC and continuing into the 1700s. In fact, the famed Cleopatra had an affinity towards Emeralds and Emeralds were used in her royal jewelry and adornments. Historically, Emeralds were also mined in India and Austria. However, the oldest Emeralds are aged 2.97 billion years old and are from South Africa.
A bunch of new, stunning Emeralds have just arrived at AfricaGems! Check them out! If you want to learn more visit the GIA GemEncyclopedia!
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