One of the four precious gemstones, emeralds are admired for their lush green hue. It is the birthstone of May and the symbol of eternal youth. Rare and beautiful, emeralds have been an important part of many cultures throughout history, especially ancient Egyptians who thought the gem had special healing powers.
Even today, emeralds are one of the most sought-after gems in the world. In fact, they’re a popular choice for engagement rings. But what makes this gem so special? Keep reading to learn five interesting emerald facts that will leave you impressed!
Did You Know?
Emeralds are a result of a rare and unusual combination of elements. This gem belongs to the beryl family. In its natural form, beryl is clear, but when a small amount of chromium or vanadium enters the composition, this beautiful green gemstone is formed.
1. Emeralds Were First Mined in 1500 BC
Emeralds have existed for billions of years, but they were first mined in Egypt in 1500 BC. Ancient Egyptians buried mummies with emeralds because they believed the departed would receive everlasting youth in the afterlife. However, recent research shows that these gemstones were actually peridots and were confused for emeralds because of the green colour. It is said that people of the Incas and Aztec empires worshipped emeralds as gods.
2. Some Emeralds Are More Valuable Than Diamonds
Emeralds are made from beryl and get their green colour because of the traces of chromium and vanadium. Most emeralds have inclusions or some imperfection; those without any are extremely rare. The value of this gem is also determined by its colour. Ultimately, emeralds without eye-visible inclusions and an even colour are not easy to find, making them a lot more valuable and expensive than diamonds.
So, go ahead and surprise your bae with a stunning emerald bracelet or any other type of emerald jewellery that she will absolutely adore.
3. Cleopatra Was Obsessed With Emeralds
Emeralds were Cleopatra’s favourite gemstone. She was so passionate about them that her jewellery, robes, and crown were adorned with green sparkler. It is said that Cleopatra took away the emerald mines from the Greeks because she wanted to keep the gems for herself. Even her palace was embellished with emeralds. This could be because ancient Egyptians considered emeralds precious and a symbol of wealth and power.
4. The Only Gemstone That Has a Cut Named After It
Emerald is the only gemstone that has a cut named after it. The famous emerald-cut was initially reserved only for the precious green gem. On the Mohs scale, the emerald’s hardness is between 7.5 to 8. Since it is not as hard as other precious gemstones, the emerald-cut was created to protect the jewel’s corners and prevents fractures. The straight linear facets in this cut also create a ‘Hall of Mirrors’ effect that enhances the colour and beauty of emeralds.
Isn’t it reason enough for you to invest in a beautiful emerald-cut emerald ring for yourself?
5. 50% Of the World’s Emeralds Come From Colombia
Do you wonder where are emeralds found? Well, this gem can be found all over the world; however, a vast amount is mined in Colombia. In fact, around 50% of the world’s emeralds come from this South American country. Even the most valuable emerald in the world known as the ‘Gachalá Emerald’ was discovered in 1967 in a mine in Gachalá, Colombia. It weighs a whopping 858 carat and is now kept in the Smithsonian Institution.
Shop for Lush Green Emerald Jewellery
5 Interesting Facts About Emeralds FAQs
- What is special about emeralds?Emerald is one of the four precious gemstones alongside diamonds, sapphires, and rubies. Its lush-green color is unique and cannot be compared to any other.
- Are emeralds rare?Yes, top-quality emeralds are pretty rare and can only be found in specific locations on earth. This also makes them expensive and sometimes more valuable than diamonds.
- Can emeralds go in water?Yes, emeralds are sturdy and won’t get damaged if they come in contact with water. However, most emeralds are oil-treated to enhance their clarity. Therefore it is important to protect this gem from water that may contain chemicals.
