EMERALD

REFRACTIVE INDEX    1.57  -  1.59
HARDNESS       7.5 - 8
SPECIFIC GRAVITY     2.68  -  2.78

MINERAL  CLASS         Beryl

  


Emerald is one of the most well known and most attractive gemstone available. Emerad has been treasured for thousands of years by different cultures all around the world. And, it is the most highly prized of all the gemstones.

 Emerald is a form of beryl, which is a common mineral. Traces of beryllium which is a rare element in Beryl  gives the  color in Emerald and makes it rare.   Emerald usually comes in a deep, intense green. However, it is sometimes found as a light green or even to have a tinge of yellow in the stone.  The most prized emeralds are highly transparent, with evenness of color, and with no eye-visible color zoning.  

 

Ancient  Emeralds were taken mostly from mines in Egypt. Today Colombia and Brazil are the major producers of Emeralds. The African mines have long  been dried out.  However, today the African continent is second only to South America in Emerlad production, with mines in Madagascar, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Nigeria.

 

Emeralds are so rare without inclusions, therefore some inclusions are expected. A flawless, clear emerald is very rare and is usually found in only small sizes, a large, flawless Emerald is priceless.