Emerald
Emerald is a green variety of the beryl family, colored by chromium, and is a gemstone prized for its deep green luster and mysterious inclusions. Valued for its mystical qualities since ancient times, it has been cherished by royalty and nobility as the "stone of love and rebirth." Due to its vivid green color and rarity, it is called the queen of gemstones and is highly esteemed in the market.
An emerald with a beautiful deep green glow
Basic Information
| English Name | Emerald |
|---|---|
| Japanese Name | Suigyoku, Suiryokugyoku |
| Chemical Formula | Al2Be3[Si6O18] |
| Crystal System | Hexagonal |
| Hardness | 7.5–8 |
| Specific Gravity | Approx. 2.7 |
| Transparency | Transparent to translucent |
Characteristics & Variations
- Trapiche Emerald: A rare variety featuring a gear-like, six-rayed pattern reminiscent of a sugarcane press.
- Emerald Cat's Eye: Exhibits a chatoyancy effect due to tubular inclusions.
- Three-Phase Inclusions: Emeralds from Colombia contain three-phase inclusions where solid crystals, liquids, and gas bubbles coexist.
- Two-Point Trapiche: A unique type of trapiche with two centers that radiate twelve lines.
Origin, Aliases, Treatments & Similar Stones
Major Sources: Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, Zimbabwe.
Aliases: Queen of Gemstones, Stone of Love and Rebirth.
Treatment: Oiling (soaking in clear oil or resin to make fissures less visible).
Similar Stones: Green Beryl, Vanadium Beryl, V-colored Beryl from China
Emerald Products
Note: Because emeralds often have natural cracks, oiling is widely performed. Also, as high-quality stones are often cut locally, it is said that many of the stones imported into Japan are of lower quality.