Emeralds are gem varieties found in the beryl mineral with a vibrant, distinctly green color. They originate inside igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks around a small number of locations worldwide. As per the earliest references, emeralds were called “marakata,” a Sanskrit term meaning “the green of growing things”. Later, when these gems moved into high society, the official Latin word “smaragdus,” was used. With time, the name evolved into the English word “emerald”.
For over 5000 years, emeralds have been considered to be one of the most desirable and valuable coloured gemstones. Early civilizations in Africa, Asia, and South America individually discovered emeralds and made them a gem of highest honor. In the United States and many other countries, this stone is considered to be the birthstone for people born in May. Many also prefer these gorgeous green gems in their gemstone jewelry.
At present, emerald, along with ruby and sapphire, form the most valuable ‘big three’ of coloured gemstones. These three generate more economic commotion than all other coloured gems combined. In the year 2015, the value of emeralds imported into the US surpassed the value of all other coloured gemstones outside of the ‘big three’ combined.
History
Emerald stones are believed to be one of the oldest gemstones found on the planet. Some estimates state that they were already developing under the earth as early as 2600 million years ago. This beautiful gem’s history can be traced back to the Egyptian era when Cleopatra had several emeralds mined for her jewelry. The home to these ancient emeralds is believed to be somewhere near the Red Sea, and the mines here are generally referred to as “Cleopatra’s Mines” now.
The trace elements responsible for the colour in emerald are Chromium and Vanadium. In some places, these elements can be found in high quantities. The other ingredient that creates the gem is Beryllium. These elements are brought to the surface through tectonic separation, and the same process also causes many fractures in the gemstone as the tectonic plates move apart. This is the reason most emeralds are flawed, while a clean one is tough to find.
Source
Presently, most emerald production sources are found in four countries: Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, and Zimbabwe. These places produce decent amounts of emeralds for commercial use. A little quantity or irregular production comes from places like Madagascar, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Canada, Russia, and also a few other countries.
In 2015, significant amounts of emerald with brilliant color and clarity started to be exported from Ethiopia. According to some, it is believed that these emeralds found in Ethiopia might be the most magnificent gem to be found in 100 years.
Properties
The mineral named beryl, of which emerald is a variety, has a chemical composition of Be3Al2 (SiO3) 6, and in pure form, it is without color. The vibrant green color in emerald is due to trace amounts of chromium or vanadium. Its specific gravity is 2.72 and birefringence is between 0.005 – 0.009. The Mean Refractive Index is from 1.577 to 1.583, and the hardness is 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs hardness scale.
Colours
The pure form of beryl, known as “goshenite”, is colorless. Trace amounts of elements like chromium or vanadium in the mineral cause it to cultivate a green color. Trace amounts of iron will give emerald a bluish-green color or a yellowish-green color depending upon its oxidation state.
The beryl mineral is only called emerald if it is dark green or bluish-green. If it’s yellow-green, then it is called heliodor, and if it’s light green, then it is called green beryl. A yellow-green stone might also be olivine or green garnet.
Emerald value
Top origins: Colombian emeralds command premium prices. Recent finds in Ethiopia may also command premium prices. Prices assume colorless clarity enhancement (no dyes). Average brilliance of 40 to 60%. Add up to 20% or deduct to 10% for other cuts. Prices for emerald cuts, round, ovals and pear. Add to 10% for marquise.
Stone price
Emerald, an ever being fairly expensive gemstone, remains high in demand in national and international markets. Panna prices begin from ₹ 800 ($12.30 ) and may go as high as ₹ 2 lakh ($3076) per carat, depending on the origin, clarity, color and size of the gemstone.
Origin of Emerald
Emerald mines have been discovered in Colombia, Zambia, Pakistan, Russia, Brazil, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Australia and the United States. Premium quality emerald gems from Colombia, Zambia and other well-reputed origins demand a cost for quality and also because of their reputation in gem trade. This is because these origins are sourcing the top-quality emeralds to the gem industry from hundreds of years ago.
They have earned a brand reputation and are now drawing a royalty for the same. Usually, an emerald draws a better price when its origin is clearly mentioned in its gem certificate. On the other hand, emerald value becomes relatively lesser for a similar quality gem with an undefined origin.
Brazilian Emerald value
Most emeralds from Brazil are slightly darker in color and usually appear semi-transparent or opaque. For this reason, Brazilian emerald price per carat remains relatively low. These emeralds are quite economical and are a wonderful option for jewelry. As per the current market trend, Brazilian emerald price in India starts from ₹ 800 per carat ($12 approx.) to ₹ 2700 per carat ($40 approx.) plus.
Zambian Emerald
Zambian emerald is a close competitor of Colombian emerald in terms of quality and prices. Being a popular variety, loose Zambian emerald stone price in India can draw ₹ 2,500 per carat ($40 approx.) and reach up to ₹ 40,000 per carat ($620 approx.) and above. Zambian panna price per ratti may be slightly lower than Zambian emerald price per carat. This is because one carat is not equal to one ratti, instead.
What to know before buying
First and foremost: Emeralds always look better in person. Any professional photographer will tell you that green colors do not show up well in the camera at all.
Second: All gems are evaluated based on the 4Cs of color, clarity, cut and carat weight. There are modifications of the 4Cs depending on which gem is being evaluated.
Lastly: 99% of emeralds are treated for clarity. Emeralds are bought and sold on the premise they have been treated in some form.