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Emerald is one of the ‘big three’ color gemstones recognized for its grass green color and excellent hardness. Emerald is the green variety of the mineral beryl which also forms another gemstone that we know by the name aquamarine.
The green color of emerald is due to the presence of chromium in the mineral beryl. Beryl is colorless in its pure form. The higher the concentration of chromium in beryl, the darker the green color. Sometimes other impurities besides chromium give emerald other distinct appearance veering towards pale green or greyish green hues.
Emeralds measure between 8 and 8.5 on the Mohs scale of hardness making it suitable for regular or special jewelry. Emeralds usually have cleavage properties meaning that the stone is prone to chipping off with sudden and powerful blows. Besides, emeralds also have a certain degree of fissures or pores which are treated by filling the stone with resin or oil. Treating emeralds to enhance their color and durability is a universally accepted practice.
Emeralds have an illustrious history which goes back to the times of ancient Rome and Egypt. It is said that emeralds were mined as early as 2000 BC in the upper part of Egypt. Egyptian beauty Cleopatra is known for her obsession with emeralds. The emerald mines then were called Cleopatra’s mines due to the fact that the mines yielded emeralds for Cleopatra’s private collection; she was actually the owner of those mines.
Many antique styled jewelry pieces today feature emerald, deriving their motifs from a long period of history of emerald jewelry. In the modern times emerald rings, emerald earrings, emerald bands, emerald pendants and emerald bracelets are quite popular. Engagement rings with emerald as the center stone and halo setting is setting new heights in terms of people’s choice.
The subtle green color of emerald gels well with any kind of attire, making it one of the most sought after gemstones among the present generation. Celebrities like Julia Roberts and Angelina Jolie have contributed immensely to the present-day craze towards emeralds.
Emerald is the birthstone for the month of May and it is the traditional gift meant for the twelfth and thirty-fifth wedding anniversary.