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Emerald, the French Esmeralda

The term Emerald is derived from French term 'Esmeralda'. It is a very fascinating gemstone and has the most beautiful, intense and radiant green color. From mineralogical point of view, emeralds are beryllium aluminum silicates and belong to the large gemstone family of beryl. It has traces of Chromium and vandalism, that are responsible for the fascinating color. It is a hard stone and chips easily. It is mostly cut in a rectangular step cut popularly known as Emerald cut. The best Emeralds are those that display rich color, emit a soft glow,glisten with gold particles and do not have any blemishes. Green is the color transmitted by Emerald. According to Vedas, Emeralds promises good luck and enhances well being. It institutes psychic powers. In medical terminology, it is good for general health, nervous system. It promotes love, romance, joy, memory, faith and intelligence. It shields the native from poisonous snakes and envious persons.

Emerald Characteristics

Transparency: Transparent

Color: Green, Yellowish green and bluish green

Refractive Index: 1.577-1.583

Birefringence: 0.005-0.009

Pleocheroism: Weak to strong diction

Crystal system: Hexagonal

Optic character: Doubly reflective

Specific gravity: 2.72

Mohs hardness: 7.5-8

Dispersion: 0.014

Flourasense: Long and short wave inert to weak green

Identifying visual Typical three and two phase inclusions characters

Sources: South America, Africa, India, Pakistan, Russia and Egypt

Other uparatnas: Green Jade, Green Tourmaline, Green Diopside