What Is Emerald And How Are These Gems Used? Every Beginner Must Read This!

Introduction

Emeralds are some of the most beautiful and sought-after gemstones in the world. They're not only beautiful but also very rare, and they have a long history of being owned by some of history's most notable figures. So, what makes this gemstone so special? Read on for everything you need to know about emeralds!

What Is Emerald?

Emerald is the green variety of beryl, the mineral group that includes aquamarine and heliodor. It's often used in jewelry to represent May, which is why it's one of the birthstones for that month.

The most common source of emeralds is Colombia, but they can also be found in Brazil and Zambia (in Africa). The stones have been mined there since at least 500 AD; however, modern mining techniques began during colonial times when Spain controlled those countries.

Today, most emeralds come from South America and Africa because those regions have large deposits with high quality gems available at relatively low prices compared to other parts of the world like Australia or Russia where prices are much higher due to lower yields per mine site

How Are Emerald Gems Made?

Emeralds are formed when beryllium and chromium are exposed to high pressure and heat. This can happen naturally, or it can be done artificially. In the latter case, an emerald will be created through a process called synthetically-created gemstones.

Emeralds are mined in Brazil, Colombia, Zambia, Afghanistan and Zimbabwe; however they're also found in the United States but they aren't as valuable because there is not enough of them here yet so people have to import them instead of mining them locally like other countries do with their own resources

The Lore and Legend of Emeralds

Emeralds are known as the birthstone for May, and they're also the national gem of Brazil. Emeralds have been associated with love and friendship throughout history, as well as hope and springtime renewal. The ancient Greeks believed that emeralds were sacred to their goddess Aphrodite (or Venus), who was thought to favor these gems because they reminded her of clear green waves crashing against white sand beaches!

To this day, many cultures regard emeralds as symbols of youthfulness--and who doesn't want to look young forever?

Prospecting for Emeralds

Emeralds are found in many different places, but some are better than others. The best places to prospect for emeralds are those that have a lot of green rocks around them. You can tell if you're in an area with a lot of green rocks by looking out into the distance and seeing if there are any green mountains nearby. If there aren't any mountains, then you should try looking under some trees or bushes. This is because emeralds tend to be found near plants that grow on land rather than in water; therefore, we know that they won't be washed away by rivers or oceans during heavy rains (which would destroy them).

Emeralds can also be found within volcanic ash deposits from eruptions long ago--these kinds of deposits tend not only contain emeralds themselves but also other precious stones like amethyst crystals! However since these types occur only once every few hundred years at most locations worldwide (and usually much less frequently), it's best not too rely solely upon them when prospecting...

Famous Historical Figures Who Owned Emeralds

• Cleopatra: Of course, we have to start with the queen of Egypt. She was known for her extravagant tastes and love for emeralds. In fact, she was so fond of them that she even had a large gemstone made into an eye for herself!

• Nefertiti: This famous Egyptian queen wore an emerald ring on her left hand that featured a scarab beetle surrounded by six other stones--two amethysts, three sapphires, and one ruby (plus another huge gemstone in the center).

• Elizabeth Taylor: This actress was married seven times throughout her life; however, during one of those marriages she received an 8 carat diamond ring from Richard Burton as well as several large pieces of jewelry made out of diamonds and colored stones like pink sapphires or yellow diamonds (which must have been very flashy!).

• Henry VIII: He wasn't just interested in getting married--he also loved collecting precious stones! He would often give these away as gifts or prizes during tournaments held at court so everyone could see how wealthy he truly was...and perhaps even try to steal some themselves?

Unique Properties of Emeralds

Emerald has been used as the birthstone for May. It's also the zodiac stone for Taurus, which means that those born between April 20 and May 21 have an affinity with emeralds.

The ancient Romans believed that emeralds could bring good health and long life to their owners. They were also thought to ward off evil spirits!

What makes an emerald special?

Emerald is a green variety of beryl, which is the birthstone for May. Emeralds are mined in Brazil, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Pakistan and Afghanistan. The most expensive colored gemstones are emeralds because they have so many different shades of green that can be found within one stone! These gems were used by ancient Egyptians and other civilizations as well. The word "emerald” comes from the ancient Greek word for green (emeraldus), which means "green plant". The most famous emerald is called the Chalk Emerald and was once owned by Henry Philip Hope (who also owned another famous gem known as "Hope Diamond").

Conclusion

Emeralds are one of the most popular gemstones in the world. They're known for their beautiful color, but these gems also have a rich history and lore surrounding them. If you ever get the chance to own an emerald, we hope this article will help you understand why these gems are so special!