Emerald

Emeralds - The Different Sizes, Shapes, and Shades

	Emeralds are one of the most popular and valued gemstones in the world. They have been around for thousands of years, were well known and written about as far back as 6,000 years ago.  The Emerald is a very attractive stone that was extremely popular in Ancient times and during the Middle  Ages and Renaissance period in Europe. It’s most known attribute is its deep and intense green hue,  sometimes referred to as “green fire”. Emeralds are made from the mineral beryl. Beryl is actually a common mineral that is found in many regions all around the world. Beryl includes trace elements of beryllium and is known for its many precious gemstones such as Heliodor, Morganite and Bixbite. Emeralds not only are composed of beryl, but also  contain two trace elements, they are vanadium and chromium. Depending on the amount of these elements,  the Emerald can appear light green to a very deep, dark green. Most Emeralds that are used for ornamental jewelry are rather small in size and usually weight less than a carat.  The reason for their size is due to the fact that many larger Emerald stones contain inclusions that are noticeable to the naked eye. They are called jardins or gardens. Emeralds for commercial use are usually treated with oil and the most valuable Emeralds are usually translucent to transparent. . However, most Emeralds are opaque or translucent. Emeralds have their own cut and can be cleaved according to their crystal structure. While they can be made into many shapes,  one of the cuts that are popular is the Emerald cut.
	Emeralds - Where its Found and Formed
	The Emerald is one of the most well known and most attractive gemstone available. It is actually a form of beryl,  which is a common mineral. Beryl includes trace elements of beryllium, a rare element. Beryl is the mineral that is associated with many gemstones. For instance, beryl that is yellow or orange is usually called Heliodor, pink or salmon colored beryl is called Morganite and the rarest type of beryl, bixbite is a deep, intense red.  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. What gives Emeralds there color are two trace elements, one is chromium and the other is vanadium.  While both elements are usually present, at certain times vanadium might be absent. When vanadium is absent, the stone is still a deep green. Emeralds are often formed in mica schist’s which are hydrothermal in origin. They are usually associated with  rocks that are formed in association with granite or pegmatite’s. Most Emeralds are found in mines which are hydrothermal (hot water or steam). The most famous of the Emerald mines are deposits in South America.  Minerals that are sometimes found near Emeralds are pyrite, calcite and quartz. Emeralds are also found in  eluvia and alluvial deposits as well due to their hardness and gravity characteristics. While Emeralds have  been found in many regions of the world, the finest quality Emeralds are found today in the Muzo and Chivor mines of Columbia.