Emerald has captured the human eye for much of history. The Egyptians saw it as a symbol of fertility and rebirth, Queen Cleopatra favored it over her lavish collection of jewelry and it is Columbia's most valued gem.
With the oldest emerald dating 2.97 million years old, it has been fought over in the trade industry. For over 60 years there has been conflict between Columbian drug cartels and the government in light of the demand and value of Emerald. "Columbian emeralds are said to be the purest emeralds in the world because emerald deposits are the only ones found on earth found in sedimentary host rock rather than the Igneous rock." The same forces that birthed the Andes Mountains also birthed Emerald in its crevices; including beryllium, chromium, and vanadium.
What makes Emerald stone green and blue? Impurities of Chromium and sometimes Vanadium create these colors, pretty neat!
With brilliant green hues and sometimes blue undertone, Emerald is often recognized by its many inclusions and fissures, commonly described as Jardin. An emerald is not known to be a naturally flawless stone. Before it goes to the market, it is usually treated with wax, oils or other coatings to highlight and preserve its beauty.
Is there love in the air?
Did you know that the emerald stone is said to belong to the goddess of love and romance, named Venus? So, maybe a diamond isn't always a girls best friend after all!
