Emerald

Description

Key Characteristics of Emerald:

• Color: The most prized emeralds have a rich, vivid green color with a slight bluish tint. The intensity of the green, however, can vary from a lighter, yellowish green to a deeper, bluish green. Emeralds with a pure, intense green color without too much yellow or blue are considered the most valuable.
• Hardness: Emeralds are moderately hard, scoring 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale. However, they are more brittle than other gemstones like diamonds or sapphires, meaning they can be prone to chipping and cracking. Due to their inherent inclusions (known as “jardin” in emeralds), they require more careful handling.
• Clarity: Emeralds are rarely flawless. They typically have natural inclusions, which are considered part of their character. These inclusions, which often resemble moss or garden-like formations, are one of the defining traits of emeralds. In fact, some inclusions are so common that they are part of the gem’s appeal, as they help verify its authenticity. Higher clarity emeralds without visible inclusions or cracks are more valuable.
• Cut: Emeralds are often cut into “emerald cuts”—a rectangular or square step cut that maximizes the gemstone’s depth and color. The cut is designed to minimize the likelihood of breaking and to enhance the gem’s clarity. However, emeralds can also be cut into oval, round, and pear shapes, though these are less common.