The Uses of Emerald

Emeralds are extremely beautiful gemstones that have been pursued by man for over 6,000 years. The most distinctive feature of the Emerald is its beautiful green color. Emeralds vary in color, but are usually most rare and valued when they are a deep, intense green. Some Emeralds are light green or even have a tinge of yellow. Emeralds are made from beryl and include the rare element beryllium. While beryl is a common form of mineral, emeralds are usually very rare. The two trace elements that give an Emerald its beautiful green are chromium and vanadium.

Emeralds are mostly used for ornamental jewelry and have been around since the beginning of recorded history. There are writings referring to Emeralds dating back more than 6,000 years, making it one of the oldest known gemstones. Emeralds are so old; they have their own cut to bring out the sharpness and beauty of the hue.

Emeralds can be made into many shapes, but are most popular on rings, earrings, bracelets and charms. Emeralds are usually less than 1 carat in size, due to the fact that larger size Emeralds will have inclusions or what is called jardin (gardens). The vast majority of Emeralds sold on the commercial market are treated. They are usually oiled before sold. Certain times rough Emeralds are sold, they will usually state they are unenhanced or natural.

You should note that there are also synthetic types of Emeralds available, these stones are usually grown from beryl and usually take 6 months or more to form, this fact that an Emerald will be stated at the point of purchase.

Emeralds - The History and Origins

One of the most popular and desired gemstone is the Emerald. The Emerald is one of the earliest known gemstones and was adorned as ornamental jewelry for thousands of years. Emeralds have been known for at least 6,000 years and during Ancient times and the Middle Ages, were highly pursued. The Emerald is a gemstone made from Beryl, one of the more common minerals. Beryl is a mineral that has traces of beryllium which is necessary to create these wonderful hues. The Emerald is usually a dark, intense green, although it can come in lighter tones. It should be noted the darker, more intense the green, usually the more valuable and rare it is.

Emeralds are caused by two elements found in the beryl, they are chromium or vanadium. It should be noted that an Emerald can occur with just the chromium, however most jewelers consider a true Emerald to have both elements present.

The Emerald comes from the Greek word “Smaragdos”, this word mean green stones, through the history of the world; Emeralds have been used mainly as ornamental jewelry and also due to its supposive mystical and medicinal properties. For instance, the Emerald has been largely used as symbols of the occult, especially since it has been around for thousands of years before traditional religions emerged. It was also said to protect one from snake bites, help creativity, encouraged clarity and was a sign for immortality.

It was also used for its supposive medicinal properties, to help promote overall health, cure dysentery, heal the heart and kidneys and to improve vision.