Monday, May 19, 2008

"Birthstone of the Month" Emerald...again

***I've decided to re-publishing my previous "Birthstone of the Month" posts...they were, for the most part well received...I've been contemplating doing a series of post regarding the healing properties of semi-precious stones but thought I would begin by re-publishing these...***

Emerald is the most precious member of the beryl family; the name is derived from the Greek “smaragdos”, which means “green stone”.

The wonderful green color is produced by chromium present in the gemstone. The vibrant color won’t fade, as it is stable regarding light and heat. As with many gemstones the color varies depending on the source or the location the gemstone was found. Apparently the most favorable color is a strong slightly bluish green.

Colombian emeralds are a pure green with a slight tint of blue. There are significant deposits, especially in the Muzo mine northwest of Bogotá.

This magnificent emerald was mined in Colombia, set in white gold, with yellow gold claws, encased in diamonds...what more could you ask for ladies!!!

A 60 carat Colombian emerald set with approximately 25 carats of diamonds on yellow gold. Market value US$240,000

Brazilian emeralds are a slightly lighter color of green with more yellow noticeable, often slightly cloudy, but most often without inclusions. Deposits have been found in Bahia, Goias, and Minas Gerais and while relatively new deposits, discovered since the 1980s, Brazil has become one of the most important suppliers of emeralds!

From Northeast Brazil...A fully terminated, semi-gemmy Emerald crystal...Measures about 1/2" across...semi-gemmy means "clear in spots but not completely"

Zambian emeralds have good clarity are are a deep green.
Other deposits have been found in Russia, Afghanistan, Australia, Ghana, India, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Tanzania, Vietnam, China and the United States.
These lovely emerald crystals are from Wenshan, near Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
Here is a natural, grass green Emerald (Beryl) crystal from the Lao Cai Province of Vietnam
Famous Emeralds can be found at the British Museum of Natural History in London, England, the American Museum of Natural History in New York, in the treasury of Russian, in the state treasury of Iran, in the Treasury room in Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, Turkey and in the Viennese treasury in a vase is a gem 4 ¾ in (12cm) high, weighing 2205cts, cut from a single emerald crystal.

Most emeralds are not clean, having some imperfections such as cloudy, cracks, inclusions of fiber, tremolite rods, some of which make the emerald sensitive to pressure…hence the emerald cut was designed to maximize the color while the rounded corners help to minimize chipping and breaking of the corners.

These semi-gemmy emerald crystals are from the Jiangsu Prov, in China

It is common for emeralds to be dipped in a specific type of oil or sometimes prepared with an artificial resin in a vacuum if they have hairline fractures or other faults…this is usually done in the country of origin. The FTC in the United
States requires a disclosure of this kind of treatment.

While not my favorite gemstone I have to admit these lovely gems have grown on me…a nice set of emerald earrings or perhaps a bracelet would be nice…what do you think???

Cheers

Natural gem photos courtesy of "Orbital Joe"

Emerald jewelry courtesy of "Swamibu"

I thank both Orbital Joe and Swamibu for allowing me to use their wonderful photographs! More of their amazing work can be found on Flickr.com

Information courtesy of:

Gemstones of the World, Walter Schumann, Third Edition, Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.,
The Jeweler's Directory of Gemstones, Judith Crowe, Firefly Books, 2006


Cheers

23 comments:

  1. Beautiful stones. My family and I love gem mining when we go to the Carolinas. There is nothing like holding a rough stone in your hand knowing that a jeweler will turn it into a heavenly piece.

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  2. Nice Articles you have there. Very informative. Keep them coming.... :D

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  3. the fearless blog...I would love to mine gems, I've been told recently that there is a location a few hours from where I am that is a great spot for finding gems...haven't got that far yet...someday!

    Cheers H

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  4. underheavens...I'm happy you enjoyed the feature...I try to keep a balance between interesting and informative...I will be doing at least one of these a month...more if I can find the time and the appropriate photos...cheers H

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  5. I have always been partial to green stones, but then again I am partial to green eyes. :))

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  6. A very cool feature - I learned a lot here and am amazed at the range of colors of this gemstone....thank you also for your visit.

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  7. Ahhh I love the pendant and ring.

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  8. Green? Green is my favorite color slightly prefered over blue.
    Very nice stones really. I have seen these stones in jewellery shops only but never in the mine myself being there.
    And Emerald is my favorite gem as well.

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  9. Barry...I've never been a green fan but after doing the research for this post I can't help but be a fan...thanks for stopping by...cheers H

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  10. John...your are welcome...thanks for the return visit...I'm fascinated by gems so I thought others might like to know a little as well...cheers H

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  11. Thanks for stopping by Sara...yest aren't they wonderful...who would love those...cheers H

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  12. jirel...as I mentioned green has never been a favorite but I plan on looking for emeralds to make something lovely soon, of course not like the ring and pendant but lovely just the same...thanks for stopping by...cheers H.

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  13. iv never seen emerald in that form before, its very beautiful. and im also in volume 2 of that handbook! yay

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  14. Thanks for stopping by beat black...
    I've never seen emerald in that form before either...I love all the gems in the raw...that is part of the reason I decide to do the "birthstone of the month" feature...it fascinates me! Congrats on Vol II...wasn't it a great experience? You know Timothy is now offering a small spot at the back of the book...I was thinking of do it...

    cheers
    Cheers

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  15. This was an interesting post. I have always love emeralds although they aren't my birthstone. My birthday is in August. I'm a Leo. :)

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  16. This was an interesting and colorful article. I have always loved emeralds and it was wonderful to see these different uncut forms of the gemstones. I'm looking forward to the next pillar post in the birthstone of the month series. :)

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  17. Thanks for stopping by timethief...both comments went through fine!
    Your birthstone is Peridot...love this stone...hopefully I can find raw stones for all the months...
    Cheers H

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  18. I liked reading your post, it was interesting and informative. Emeralds are one of my favorites stones; wish it was my birthstone.

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  19. Thanks g8rbryan...I've never been a green fan period but after looking a so many emerald photos I've become a fan, will have to look for emerald gems and make something interesting!!!
    I'm doing a stone a month maybe more...as the comments have been very positive regarding the posts...so check back for more stones...
    Cheers

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  20. I love the blue green emerald!! It's such a gorgeous colour. Great photos :)

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  21. Gotta agree with the rest of the bunch...My students are learning about mineral and gem formation in Earth Science, it's amazing what our earth naturally produces...great blog

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  22. Thanks for stopping by kat and the kind words as well...I love the raw gems they are stunning...

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  23. Thank you for the great article.

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Thank you for taking the time to comment...it is truly appreciated!
Cheers