Emeralds are one of the coolest and most sought after gemstones on this planet! A rare form of Beryl, Emeralds are known for their green to dark green color and their beautiful gemstone luster.

Being prone to flaws, a flawless emerald is a rarety indeed! "A fine qualiity emerald of good color and clarity is so rare that it surpasses a diamond in value" (Burnett). For something so valuable, it is odd that the emerald is mostly useless. It is primarily used in jewelry due to its high refraction rate and its variety of facet-capability. Valued only for its beauty and rarety, this stone exemplifies the sublime beauty of nature and earth for art's sake. They can easily be seen as the most beautiful things on the planet...

Where Do Emeralds Come From?

The best emeralds in the world tend to come from either the Muzo or Chivor mines of Colombia. Renowned for their quality, these emeralds tend to have very few flaws and exhibit exceptional coloration and clarity. Zambia is also known for producing quality emeralds.

"The finest Emeralds come from Muzo and Chivor, Colombia. Fine material has also come from Minas Gerais, Brazil and the Ural Mountains of Russia. Emeralds have also come from the Cobra and Somerset Mines in Transvaal, South Africa, and the Habatchal, Austria. In the U.S., the only significant Emerald deposits are in North Carolina. The most productive and famous locality there is Hiddenite, Alexander Co. Small amounts from North Carolina have also been found in Shelby, Cleveland Co.; Big Crabtree Mountain, Alexander Co.; and Franklin, Alexander Co" (Friedman 2003).

"Gem beryl is found nearly exclusively in hydrothermal veins, pegmatites, or at the contacts of larger igneous intrusions that invade aluminous schist, shale or impure limestone. The volatile fraction of the vein liquid or magma provides Be and the host rock the requisite Al" (University of Texas 1998). Emerald is usually found in hydrothermal veins, though occasionally can be found in pegmatites. In order for the Beryl to form with the dark green coloration of an Emerald, it must be infused with chromium impurities. This process occurs during crystalization and is a very rare occurence. The geological conditions must be just right, including having a source of chromium near the hydrothermal veins. Carbon is a large contributor to how deep the color is. "The scarcity of these emeralds can be comprehended when it is recognized that many of the fine emeralds are those that were found when Pizarro conquered Peru, centuries ago" (Shreve).

• Value of Emeralds

• Beryl Facts

• The Gemstones of el Dorado

• Where to Buy Colombian Emeralds

Literature Cited

Shreve, Norris R. Precious and Semi-Precious Jewels--Their Chemical and Beautifying Qualities. Science, New Series, Vol. 92, No. 2399. (Dec. 20, 1940), pp. 566-570.

Williams, Greville. Researches on Emeralds and Beryls.--Part I. On the Colouring-Matter of the Emerald. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, Vol. 21. (1872 - 1873), pp. 409-421.

Little, Homer P. Discussion and Correspondence: An Ancient Reference to the Emerald. Science, New Series, Vol. 45, No. 1160. (Mar. 23, 1917), pp. 291-292.

http://www.emeralds.com/

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http://www.minerals.net/mineral/silicate/cyclo/beryl/beryl.htm

http://www.esmerald.com/emerald_information.shtml

http://www.mindat.org/min-1375.html

http://www.minerals.net/gemstone/gemstone/emerald/emerald.htm