1. Emeralds are a green variety of the mineral beryl, and their green color comes from trace amounts of chromium and vanadium in the crystal structure.
2. Emeralds are the traditional birthstone for the month of May.
3. The most valuable emeralds are a vivid, intense green with a slight bluish tint.
4. Emeralds are found in many parts of the world, including Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, and Afghanistan.
5. In ancient times, emeralds were believed to have the power to grant foresight and reveal the truth, as well as to promote healing and fertility.
6. The largest emerald ever found weighed over 16,000 carats and was discovered in Colombia in 1969.
7. Emeralds are often treated to improve their clarity and color, with the most common treatment being oiling, which involves filling fractures or cavities with a colorless oil to improve their appearance.
8. Emeralds can be cut into a variety of shapes and sizes, including round, oval, and emerald-cut.
9. The emerald is one of the four "precious" gemstones, along with diamonds, rubies, and sapphires.
10. Emeralds have been used in jewelry for centuries, and some of the most famous emerald pieces include the tiara of Empress Eugenie of France and the necklace of the Duchess of Windsor.
Learn even more about this green gemstone known as May's birthstone here.
2. Emeralds are the traditional birthstone for the month of May.
3. The most valuable emeralds are a vivid, intense green with a slight bluish tint.
4. Emeralds are found in many parts of the world, including Colombia, Zambia, Brazil, and Afghanistan.
5. In ancient times, emeralds were believed to have the power to grant foresight and reveal the truth, as well as to promote healing and fertility.
6. The largest emerald ever found weighed over 16,000 carats and was discovered in Colombia in 1969.
7. Emeralds are often treated to improve their clarity and color, with the most common treatment being oiling, which involves filling fractures or cavities with a colorless oil to improve their appearance.
8. Emeralds can be cut into a variety of shapes and sizes, including round, oval, and emerald-cut.
9. The emerald is one of the four "precious" gemstones, along with diamonds, rubies, and sapphires.
10. Emeralds have been used in jewelry for centuries, and some of the most famous emerald pieces include the tiara of Empress Eugenie of France and the necklace of the Duchess of Windsor.
Learn even more about this green gemstone known as May's birthstone here.