Exuding an eye-catching lush green hue, emeralds are easily the most coveted members of the beryl family. The colour of this luxurious gemstone is considered so important that it takes precedence over all other factors when it comes to quality evaluation.
But before we answer your question, here’s a little tidbit that’ll help you understand the reasons behind the popularity of this gem…
Emerald is One of the Oldest Gemstones Known to Mankind
It has been used for crafting fine jewellery for thousands of years. Several researchers suggest that Queen Cleopatra loved this vibrant gem so much, she not only used it in her royal adornments but also seized all the emerald mines in Egypt during her reign. Egyptians also buried mummies with emeralds around their necks, hoping it would give the departed eternal youth in their afterlife. The Incas and Aztecs too revered this gem and considered it a holy stone. Even today, the emerald is recognised as a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings.
Back to the Main Question, What is the True Colour of an Emerald?
Emeralds get their signature colour from the presence of chromium and vanadium, and it is further assessed by taking the following factors into consideration.
1. Hue
This refers to the colour or rather the particular tint/shade of green that the gem exhibits. The most sought-after emeralds usually display a bluish-green hue. But stones with pure green and intense green hues, showcasing even colour distribution, are also popular.
2. Tone
This particular factor is evaluated by examining the degree of darkness or lightness that is visible on the gem. Natural emeralds can display a variety of tones varying from light to medium green. Typically, those with medium to dark tones are the most preferred.
3. Saturation
Saturation refers to the strength or intensity of the colour and can range from a vibrant to a very dull green. Fine emeralds tend to showcase medium to vivid saturation.
To Sum It Up…
The true or primary colour of the emerald is green and that remains constant. Its secondary hue, however, can range from blue-green to yellow-green, with the latter being the most sought-after variant. Also, only emeralds have a medium to dark colour tone. Light-toned stones fall in the category of green beryl and are not considered emeralds.
It’s important to note that even though currently emeralds are mined all over the world, not all of them have the same colour. Certain locations, for instance, the mines in Colombia, are famed for producing blue-green emeralds with warmer and more intense hues. Whereas, Zambian and Brazilian emeralds are supposed to show better clarity but may not necessarily be blue-green.
When shopping for emerald jewellery, keep in mind to pay special attention to the cut of the stone. This particular feature has the potential to bring out the depth of colour in the gem and elevate its overall appearance. Additionally, it can also minimize the appearance of grass-like internal inclusions called ‘jardin’, thereby improving clarity. Also, always try to pick quality over size; that way even if you end up buying a smaller stone, you’ll still have an emerald that’ll radiate a beautiful, lush green hue.
Also Read - Emerald vs. Tsavorite: What’s the Difference?
