Emerald is a transparent gemstone with a famous green hue of varying intensity. It is worth noting that a large emerald with a uniform hue is valued higher than a diamond of the same size.

Emerald is a beryl (transparent mineral) by its composition, and the emerald gets its greenish color due to chromium inclusions.

Emerald characteristics:

• chemical composition: Be3Al2Si6O18;
• hardness according to the generally accepted scale: 7.5 - 8;
• density: 2.72 g / cm3;
• luster: glassy;
• refractive index: from 1.577 to 1.583;
• when heated above 700 ° C, the stone loses its color;
• is resistant to acids and some chemicals.

Stone care

Emerald is a rather capricious stone and requires careful care: from storage to wearing. Vulnerable to household chemicals, cosmetics, heat and especially mechanical impact.

For a long life of an emerald, it is necessary to follow some simple rules: remove jewelry with emeralds when doing any household chores, during any active recreation, etc.; put on jewelry with emeralds after applying all cosmetics; emeralds must be stored in a special box, separately from any other jewelry.

To clean an emerald, it would be most reasonable to contact a jewelry workshop for professional care.

Healing properties of emerald

There is a widespread belief that emerald has unusual healing properties: many use it to stabilize blood pressure, eliminate various joint pains, headaches, etc. Emerald is also used in the treatment of urinary tract and gastrointestinal diseases, but we cannot confirm all of the above 100%. In addition, many attribute special magical properties to emerald.

Interesting facts about emeralds

The most valuable emeralds are considered to be stones of a rich green color, also green with small bluish hues.

The largest emerald found was discovered in Brazil weighing more than 28 kg.

Synthetic emeralds are gaining very high popularity and are not much cheaper than natural ones (the difference is about 30-35%).

Some emeralds are given names, for example, an emerald weighing 1.2 kg was named in honor of Boris Yeltsin - "President".