Emerald Stone

Emerald stone is one of the many varieties of the mineral beryl. Emeralds are green stones as their forming mineral contains trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. In fact, the name emerald comes from the Greek term 'smaragdos' via the old French 'esmeralde', which means 'green gemstone'. The physical properties of emerald stone are essentially similar to those of beryl stone. Emeralds are considered to be precious stones highly valued as a gemstone. Emerald stones are cut in different shapes that range from the traditional rectangular step-cut, popularly known as the "emerald cut," rounds, ovals, squares and cabochons.

Emerald Stone Properties

Emeralds, like diamond stone, are valued on the basis of its four properties or the Four Cs- Color, Cut, Clarity and Crystal. Crystal represents the emerald's property of transparency or in gemologists' term- diaphaneity. Among all the properties of emerald stone, the green color is the most important characteristics which gives it the popularity and value that it enjoys. Crystal or transparency property is also significant for emerald gemstone.

Emerald Stone Color

Emeralds can be found in a wide variety of green colors. The characteristic green color of emerald stone comes from chromium impurities within the crystal structure of this beryllium aluminum silicate. Some of the emeralds also have yellow to blue overtones. However, they lose color when strongly heated.

Emerald Stone Cut

Although emeralds are quite hard stones which protect them to a large extent from scratches, their brittleness and numerous fissures make not only cutting but also setting and cleaning a rather difficult job for gemstone cutters. A very efficient gem cutter too faces challenges when cutting emeralds due to many reasons like the high value of the raw crystals and the frequent inclusions in them. However, the emerald stones even then have been cut to perfection. In fact, the gem cutters have developed a special cut just for emerald gemstone which is popular as �emerald cut� world over. This is a rectangular or square cut having clear design with bevelled corners that make this gemstone stand apart. This cut also protects it from mechanical strain. Emerald shapes are not limited to the specific 'emerald cut' only. They are many other cuts, usually classical shapes such as tear drop and ovals. However, if the raw material contains a large number of inclusions, it may often be cut into a gently rounded cabochon, or into one of the emerald beads having one of the many stone bead cuts

Emerald Stone Clarity

Emerald stones can have many inclusions and surface breaking fissures. Unlike diamond, where the loupe standard (10X magnification) is used to grade clarity, emerald is graded by eye. If an emerald stone has no visible inclusions- that can be seen through eyes with normal visual acuity- it is taken as flawless. However, stones that lack surface breaking fissures are extremely rare. Thus, almost all emerald stones are treated and oiled to improve their apparent clarity.

Emerald Stone Transparency

Transparency,which is technically known as diaphaneity, is a function of the way light interacts with the surface of any substance including emeralds. If the light enters and exits the surface of an emerald stone in a comparatively undisturbed manner, then it is referred to as transparent. If the light enters and exits the stone but not without being disturbed and distorted, then it is referred to as translucent. If light can not penetrate the surface of the stone, then it is referred to as opaque. As far as emerald stone is concerned, it is found in all the three states of diaphaneity. Many substances that are transparent can easily contain flaws and distortions that will limit a light beam's travels through a substance and make it translucent.

Emerald Stone Value

Emerald is mostly found with some visible inclusions. It is rarely eye-clean in sizes above one carat. As such, a greater degree of caution is exercised while judging the clarity of emerald which is one of the factors that determine emerald value. More attention is paid to diaphaneity or transparency than to strict flawlessness. The finest emerald gemstones present a wonderful clear crystal that gives the stone a marvelous inner glow. If any emerald stone has this property, a few visible inclusions- sometimes called �jardin� (garden) by gemologists- do not come in the way of their being declared as emeralds of high value. In fact, such emerald stones are more highly valued than those which are strictly flawless but lack the limpid quality of good crystal. An eye-clean stone of a vivid primary green hue with no more than 15% of any secondary hue or combination (either blue or yellow) of a medium-dark tone has the highest prices.

Emerald Stone Uses

Emerald jewelry is perhaps the most common application for which emerald stones are used. However, there are many other emerald uses too.

• Emerald gemstone finds its use in a variety of jewelry pieces, most popular being emerald rings, necklaces, earrings and brooches.
• Emeralds are used as birthstones for those born in the month of May.
• They are also used as traditional gemstone for the astrological signs of Taurus, Cancer and sometimes Gemini.
• In many cultures, emerald gemstone is used as the traditional gift for the 55th wedding anniversary. It is also used as a 20th and 35th wedding anniversary stone.
• Emeralds are also believed to have metaphysical properties and thus are used for healing purposes.

Emerald Healing

Emerald stones are believed to have numerous healing abilities. Different cultures have described different healing powers of emerald stone that range from curing digestive problems to even super natural protection against demonic influences. The metaphysical properties of emeralds were believed to enhance super sensible powers, psychic abilities, wisdom, ability to predict the future, etc.

• In ancient cultures, emerald was considered to be a type of aphrodisiac.
• It was also popular for its ability to regulate eye pressure and therefore emeralds were kept at their working desks by many jewelry makers.
• Emerald stone benefits also include its power to protect against poisonous creatures.
• It increases energy level in all bodily organs. It is naturally connected to the heart - anahata chakra, which along with other effects, balances energy flow between the upper and lower three chakras.
• Emerald that is present on the chest region (heart area) brings emotional balance. Therefore, emerald necklaces are used for this purpose.
• Meditation with emerald stone and rose quartz, or morganite stone is also very efficient and can provide excellent healing results.
• Darker emerald crystals are used in crystal therapy and self-healing. They help with multiple sclerosis and epilepsy. In such cases, they are worn around the neck.
• Emerald healing powers have also been associated with curing Parkinson's disease, paranoia, depression, and other similar conditions. It is also believed to cure malignant conditions.
• Emerald gemstones protect the heart, regulate blood pressure, prevent infections, reduce inflammations, and alleviate many other health problems.