Emerald (Panna)

The name emerald is derived from a Persian word, which latter appeared in Greek as smaragdoes and then as smaragdus rome’s pliny the elder described emerald in his natural history, published in the first century AD .. Nothing greens greener was his verdict.

Historically the first emerald mines were by the red sea in Egypt, that were called CLEOPATRA’S EMERALD MINES. Cleopatra was know to have a passion for emeralds, and used it in her royal adornments.

Emerald’s green colour is known to relive stress and eye strain.
The world’s best emeralds are know to come from Colombia.

Emeralds that are filled with oil, over a period of time oil can evaporate and leave brown, white or yellowish residue.

Chemical composition

Beryllium Aluminum Silicate with Iron, Chromium and Vanadium

Species: Beryl
Refractive Index: 1.576-1.582 (+/- 0.017)
Specific gravity: 2.67-2.78
Melting point: 1300 C (Approx)

Best source

Colombia (fine Colombian emeralds are highly regarded for their excellent colour).

Other sources

Afghanistan
Brazil
Pakistan
Russia Zambia: A major Commercial source
Zimbabwe: The Sandawana Valley is a famous source

Treatments

Fracture filling: Filling surface reaching fractures with colourless oils or resins. it improves clarity and colour.

Dyeing: Adding colorant to the oil or resins used in the fracture filing process. Improves emerald color, gives light colored beryl an emerald green.

Coating: Covering a light colored beryl with a green plastic. Creates an emerald imitation

Hardness & Toughness

Hardness (resistance to scratching) 7.5-8 on the Mohs scale
Toughness (resistance to breaking and chipping) Poor to Good

Stability (Resistance to Heat and Chemicals)

Heat: May cause fractures

Light: Fracture filling may dry out or alter under intense light

Chemicals: Fracture filling may be affected by any type of chemicals, emerald itself is resistance to all acids except hydrofluoric.

Synthetics

Synthetics Emeralds are readily available in the market.
Emeralds are grown in laboratory by HYDROTHERMAL AND FLUX METHODS
THE ONLY WAY TO SEPRATE NATURAL EMERALD FROM LAB GROWN EMERALD IS THROUGH INCLUSION (MAGNIFICATION).

Care and cleaning

Ultrasonic cleaning: Never
Steam cleaning: Never
Warm soapy water: Usually safe. avoid vigorous scrubbing
Untreated emeralds command premium prices. An untreated emerald can be up to 50% more valuable than a treated one of the same apparent quality.