17 Mar How to recognize an emerald
Emerald belong to beryl mineral group; its hardness is 7.5 (1 to 10 scale).
The value of an emerald depends on five main factors: (GIA System) Gemological Istitute of America.
COLOR: Bluish green – Light bluish green – Very light bluish green – Light yellowish green.
PURITY: Almost all emeralds have inclusions and are accompanied by small fractures and bi-ortrifaced cavities commonly known to jewelers as mirrors, feathers, gauss or garden.
BRIGHTNESS: FIRE OR LIFE.
SIZE: More than one carat, is more valuable.
FORMS: The variety of cuts or shapes.
The most valuable emeralds come from the MUZO mine. Some other mines are: Chivor, Gachala, Coscuez, Peñas Blanca, La Pita.
Colombian emeralds are well known by their unique brightness and color, besides their broadly variety sizes.