Natural Emerald: Complete Guide for Trade, Jewelry, and Collections
This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about natural rubies, for trade partners, jewelers, and collectors alike.
Overview
Natural Emeralds, a variety of beryl, are renowned for their vibrant green color, which can range from light to deep shades. With a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, they are durable yet can exhibit unique inclusions, known as "jardin," adding character. Emeralds have been cherished for thousands of years, often associated with royalty and luxury. Their rarity, especially in high-quality specimens, positions them as a top choice in the gemstone market, making understanding their characteristics and market dynamics crucial for anyone involved in their trade or collection.
Physical Properties and Specifications
Chemical Composition: Be₃Al₂(SiO₃)₆ (with chromium and vanadium)
Hardness: 7.5 - 8 on the Mohs scale
Crystal System: Hexagonal
Refractive Index: 1.577 - 1.583
Specific Gravity: 2.67 - 2.78
Pleochroism: Moderate, displaying different shades of green
Fluorescence: Weak to moderate fluorescence under UV light
Cleavage/Fracture: Perfect in one direction, conchoidal fracture
Color and Quality Classifications
Available Color Ranges
Primary hues: Green
Secondary modifications: Blue-green, yellow-green
Tone and saturation ranges: Light to dark tones with vivid saturation
Premium colors: Deep green with high saturation
Commercial grades: Light to medium green
Clarity Characteristics
Typical inclusion types: Liquid inclusions, gas bubbles, and "jardin"
Clarity grading standards: Eye-clean to included
Source-specific features: Unique inclusions that characterize the origin
Eye-clean criteria: Stones without visible inclusions to the naked eye
Source Locations and Material
Historic sources
Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, and Afghanistan
Current production
Colombia remains the top source, with significant production in Zambia and Brazil.
Source-specific characteristics
Each location imparts distinct color and clarity traits to the stones.
Production trends
A steady demand for high-quality emeralds, with increasing interest in ethically sourced stones.