Step By Step Guide To Identify Natural Emerald Gemstone, The green color emerald stone is one of the most delicate gemstones. The mesmerizing deep green color signifies the appearance of an individual when it is worn as a ring, necklace, or other jewelry form. The gemstone is not too hard, like ruby and diamond; however, it is also not too fragile. Step By Step Guide To Identify A Real Emerald Gemstone
Therefore, the durability of emerald stone can’t be questioned; high-quality emerald stone is spotted in different regions of the world, such as Colombia, Zimbabwe, Pakistan, and Russia.
Whereas, Colombian emerald stone is said to be the best quality emerald gemstone. These days, it is extremely hard to distinguish between a synthetic emerald stone and a real emerald stone due to the presence of synthetic gem dealers in the market. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of identifying natural emerald gemstones, ensuring that your investment is genuine and valuable.
Understanding Emerald Gemstone:
Before delving into the identification process, it’s crucial to understand what makes emeralds unique. Emeralds belong to the beryl family of minerals, renowned for their vibrant green coloration, which is caused by trace amounts of chromium, vanadium, or iron within the crystal structure. Unlike diamonds, which are primarily evaluated based on the 4Cs (Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight), emeralds have their own set of characteristics that determine their quality and value.
Step 1: Visual Inspection
The first step in identifying natural emeralds is a thorough visual examination. Natural emeralds often exhibit certain visual characteristics that distinguish them from synthetic or treated stones:
Color: Natural emeralds typically display a rich, vivid green hue with varying degrees of saturation. Look for a deep green color that is evenly distributed throughout the gemstone.
Clarity: Due to the presence of inclusions, natural emeralds may have visible flaws or imperfections within the crystal. These inclusions, known as “jardin” (French for garden), are often described as moss-like or fern-like formations. However, high-quality emeralds may still have minor inclusions while maintaining excellent clarity.
Transparency: Natural emeralds are rarely completely transparent. Instead, they exhibit varying levels of transparency, ranging from translucent to opaque. Avoid stones that appear too transparent, as they may be synthetic or heavily treated.
Step 2: Conducting a Loupe Examination
Once you’ve performed a visual inspection, use a jeweler’s loupe (a magnification tool) to examine the emerald in greater detail. Pay close attention to the following characteristics:
Inclusions: Natural emeralds typically contain characteristic inclusions that are unique to each gemstone. These inclusions, such as fractures, gas bubbles, and mineral crystals, serve as identifying features that distinguish natural stones from synthetics. Look for these internal characteristics under magnification.
Color zoning: Natural emeralds may exhibit color zoning, where different areas of the gemstone display varying shades of green. This phenomenon is caused by fluctuations in the distribution of trace elements during the crystal’s formation. While color zoning is common in natural emeralds, synthetic stones often lack this natural variation.
Step 3: Using a Gemological Tool
For a more precise analysis, utilize gemological tools such as a refractometer and a spectroscope. These instruments provide valuable information about the gemstone’s optical properties and chemical composition:
Refractometer: A refractometer measures the gemstone’s refractive index, which is the ratio of the speed of light in air to the speed of light in the gemstone. Natural emeralds typically have a refractive index ranging from 1.57 to 1.58. Synthetic emeralds may have a slightly different refractive index, allowing you to differentiate between natural and synthetic stones.
Spectroscope: A spectroscope analyzes the gemstone’s spectral signature by separating light into its component wavelengths. Natural emeralds exhibit a characteristic absorption spectrum, with distinct absorption lines in the red and blue regions of the spectrum due to the presence of chromium. This spectral pattern is not typically observed in synthetic emeralds or other green gemstones.
Step 4: Seek Professional Certification
If you’re still unsure about the authenticity of an emerald, consider seeking professional certification from a reputable gemological laboratory. Always buy this gemstone from reputed gemstone sellers who have immense experience in this field. Before buying gemstones, please inquire about the company and check its products, years of dealing, and other factors. Check the certification of the lab, which offers comprehensive gemstone identification services, providing detailed reports that confirm the gemstone’s natural origin and authenticity.
Identifying natural emerald gemstone requires a combination of visual inspection, gemological analysis, and expert judgment. By following this step-by-step guide, you can confidently differentiate between natural emeralds and their synthetic counterparts, ensuring that your investment in these exquisite gemstones is genuine and valuable. Remember to always purchase from trusted sources and seek professional certification when in doubt, allowing you to enjoy the beauty and allure of natural emeralds for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the key characteristics of natural emerald gemstones?
Natural emeralds typically exhibit a rich, vivid green color with varying levels of saturation. They often contain characteristic inclusions, known as “jardin,” which are visible under magnification. Additionally, natural emeralds may display color zoning, varying shades of green within the gemstone.
How can I differentiate between natural and synthetic emeralds?
Visual inspection, magnification, and gemological tools such as refractometers and spectroscopes can help distinguish between natural and synthetic emeralds. Natural emeralds have unique internal characteristics, specific refractive indices, and absorption spectra due to the presence of chromium.
Are there any specific tests I can perform at home to identify natural emeralds?
While certain visual inspections can be done at home, such as examining color, clarity, and transparency, more advanced tests requiring gemological tools should be conducted by professionals. Seek assistance from reputable gemologists or gemological laboratories for accurate identification.
What should I look for when purchasing an emerald?
When purchasing an emerald, look for reputable sellers who provide detailed information about the gemstone’s origin, treatment, and certification. Inspect the emerald for its color, clarity, and internal characteristics, and consider obtaining a professional certification.
Can natural emeralds have treatments or enhancements?
Yes, natural emeralds may undergo treatments or enhancements to improve their appearance or durability. Common treatments include oiling or resin filling to minimize the visibility of inclusions and enhance clarity. However, the seller should disclose these treatments, and professional certification can verify the authenticity of the gemstone.
How can I ensure that I’m purchasing a genuine natural emerald?
To ensure that you’re purchasing a genuine natural emerald:
- Buy from reputable sources with a track record of transparency and integrity.
- Ask for documentation certifying the gemstone’s natural origin and any treatments it may have undergone.
- If in doubt, seek professional certification from recognized gemological laboratories.