Color zoning would appear as a strip or section of the stone that has a different color than the majority of the stone. In emeralds, the color should be evenly distributed across the stone without any major color zoning. Color Zoning and Pleochroism in Emeralds See more loose emeralds here. To recap, an ideal emerald will have a medium to light tone with high saturation and a bright green hue. The higher the saturation, the more vivid the color, which then correlates to higher prices. Saturation refers to the intensity and strength of the color present in the emerald. An emerald that is too light can appear limp and inexpensive, while an emerald that is too dark will not have the vibrancy and color that emeralds are known for. The best emeralds have a medium tone and are neither too light nor too dark. The tone refers to how light or dark the emerald is. Over 70% of emeralds on the market come from Colombia, which typically produces bluish-green emeralds. Hue refers to the primary and secondary colors of the gemstone which, in the case of emeralds, will always be green with possible secondary colors of yellow or blue. When evaluating the color of an emerald, there are three main things we must take into consideration: hue, tone, and saturation. Emeralds can come in a range of greens, from vivid and vibrant to pale and limp. Unlike many other gemstones such as emeralds and diamonds, emeralds come only in the color green. After all, the very word emerald is synonymous with green and if it’s not green, it’s not an emerald. It goes without saying that color is the most important feature of an emerald. Choosing Emerald Color See emeralds on James Allen For example, Colombian emeralds tend to be a leafy, dark green while Zambian emeralds are often green with a tinge of bluishness. As the rocks heat up, certain minerals seep out cracks creating a perfect place for gemstones to form and grow.Įmeralds receive their color from the presence of chromium and sometimes iron and vanadium, and the color of emeralds can be correlated to their source of origin. The majority of emeralds come from mines in Colombia, Zambia, and Brazil but emeralds can also be found in China, India and Zimbabwe.Įmeralds are formed deep in the earth, in the cracks and crevices of mineral-rich rocks such as granite. It is easily the most popular and valuable type of beryl and also the easiest to recognize. What Is an Emerald? See more emerald jewelry here.Įmeralds, along with morganite and aquamarine, come from the illustrious mineral family, beryl. Let’s take a look at what you need to know before you buy an emerald. If you’re looking to purchase an emerald, whether loose or set in jewelry, there are several factors to consider to avoid getting ripped off. Throughout history, emeralds were classed as one of the 5 cardinal gemstones, which were considered superior to all other stones. It is the quintessential green gemstone and has been used since antiquity. The emerald is the most famous and recognizable member of the beryl family.
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