Emerald is one of the four precious gemstones that belongs to the beryl family. It derives its beautiful green color from the presence of chromium and vanadium. Emerald has a distinctive color and is rarely flawless. That is the reason most of them today are treated with oil to hide fissures, cracks, flaws, and enhance color. To minimize the loss of material and retain weight, Emerald is popularly cut in step-cut (also known as Emerald cut). For flawed stones, carvings, beads, cabochons, cameos, and intaglios can be used to overcome this drawback.
Emerald is found in granites, pegmatites, and schists. It is also found in alluvial deposits in various countries throughout the world. Colombia is the most popular producer of Emeralds. However, other countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Russia, Brazil, South Africa, India, Australia, Egypt, Austria, and Zimbabwe also produce it.
Most Emeralds used in historical jewelry would have been mined from Egypt. But it seldom produces the gemstones anymore.
Emerald Properties
- Specific Gravity: 2.71
- Refractive Index: 1.57-1.58
- Birefringence (DR): 0.006
- Luster: Vitreous
- Crystal Structure: Hexagonal
- Composition: Beryllium Aluminum Silicate
- Hardness: 7½
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