Flawless natural emeralds are exceptionally rare and are among the most expensive and renowned gemstones, second only to diamonds in value. This green variety of beryl owes its coloration to chromium or vanadium impurities.
With the significant surge in the production of synthetic emeralds worldwide, how can one determine whether an emerald is natural or synthetic?
Emeralds are formed through similar processes both in nature and in the laboratory, where heat, pressure, and the correct elements combine to create this magnificent green gemstone.
Since synthetic emeralds are created in a laboratory setting, there is no limit to the number of gemstones that can be produced. Conversely, natural emeralds are extremely limited and rare due to the unique natural circumstances required for their formation. Consequently, natural emeralds are substantially more valuable than laboratory-grown emeralds.
What are the Differences Between Natural and Synthetic Emeralds?
Natural and synthetic emeralds possess identical chemical composition and crystal structure, rendering differentiation challenging. In fact, distinguishing between the two is virtually impossible for anyone other than a trained gemologist. Here are the primary distinctions that experts utilize to determine whether an emerald is natural or synthetic:
- The specific gravity of natural emeralds is higher than that of synthetic emeralds.
- A refractometer is utilized to calculate the speed of luminous rays emanating from the emerald. The refractive indices of natural emerald are higher in natural emeralds than synthetic emeralds.
- Synthetic emerald contains feathery inclusions that are not found in natural emeralds.
- Synthetic emeralds may contain air bubbles that are not found in natural emeralds.
Which is Better, Natural or Synthetic Emeralds?
Be aware that the term “Genuine Emerald” can apply to both natural and lab-created emeralds, both of which are composed of the same chemicals, minerals, or elements found in naturally occurring emeralds. From a collector’s or investor’s perspective, natural emeralds are generally considered superior to synthetic emeralds. The ability to produce an unlimited supply of synthetic emeralds significantly diminishes their value relative to their natural counterparts. However, when used in jewelry, synthetic emeralds are often the preferred choice.
Natural emeralds are known to possess inherent imperfections. To conceal these flaws, fractures are often filled with artificial materials, thereby enhancing the gemstone’s appearance and strength. Furthermore, natural emeralds are frequently treated with oil to improve their aesthetic appeal.
In contrast, laboratory-created emeralds typically do not exhibit these flaws, making them a superior choice for jewelry applications. Laboratory-created emeralds offer enhanced durability and color consistency compared to their natural counterparts at a similar price point. For high-volume jewelry manufacturers, a consistent supply of durable gemstones is essential. Synthetic emeralds effectively meet this demand for consistency.
Most emeralds found in chain jewelry stores today are synthetic emeralds. These emeralds are often marketed as ‘genuine emerald’ because, technically, they are genuine due to their composition being identical to that of natural emeralds. Although synthetic emeralds are often referred to as ‘genuine emerald’, they should never be referred to as ‘natural emerald’.
Selecting a Natural Emerald Gemstone
When assessing gemstones, most gemstone dealers depend on the four C’s to ascertain a gemstone’s value. The four C’s are Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight.
Color
The most valuable emeralds typically display a pure green to blueish-green color. The green color should be quite intense, with vivid color saturation.
Clarity
Natural emeralds usually contain inclusions or imperfections due to their natural formation process. In contrast, synthetic emeralds often lack these natural inclusions. Although natural emeralds typically have inclusions, these inclusions should not detract from the gemstone’s beauty, and the gemstone should be clear, not cloudy, and transparent.
Cut
Emeralds are typically found in a specific crystal shape in nature. Consequently, most emeralds are cut into a rectangular shape known as an emerald cut.While the emerald cut is the most common cut for emeralds, they can be cut into various shapes, just like other gemstones.
Carat Weight
Carat Weight refers to the weight of the gemstone. Emeralds are lighter than diamonds, so a one-carat emerald will appear larger than a one-carat diamond.
Where do Emeralds Come From?
Emeralds can be sourced from numerous locations worldwide. Presently, Colombia, South America, is the origin of the most valuable emeralds. Over 60% of the world’s emeralds originate from Colombia.
High-quality Colombian emeralds are distinguished by their brilliant, deep green color, attributed to their chromium content.This distinctive color makes Colombian emeralds highly sought after, with emeralds from other regions often being marketed as Colombian emeralds to command a higher price.
While Colombia is a significant source of emeralds, substantial quantities are also found in Brazil and Zambia. Additionally, smaller quantities of emeralds are sourced from the United States, Australia, Afghanistan, Russia, and Pakistan.
If the Emerald Has Flaws it Must Be Real, Right?
In an effort to create more natural-appearing lab-created or synthetic emeralds, some emeralds are created with intentional flaws to make the emerald more challenging to distinguish from its natural counterpart. Although flaws are most commonly found in natural emeralds, the presence of flaws does not guarantee that an emerald is natural.
Beware of Fakes
Due to the high cost of emeralds, numerous methods have been developed to replicate them over the years. Faceted glass may create the illusion of an emerald, but it lacks the durability and value of a genuine emerald.
Many counterfeit versions of emeralds are extremely challenging to identify unless evaluated by a professional gemologist. If you plan to purchase a genuine natural emerald, it is essential to have the gemstone evaluated and certified by an expert gemologist prior to purchase.
Caring for Your Emerald
While emeralds possess a considerable hardness rating of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, they are susceptible to internal cracks and flaws that render them vulnerable to damage from severe impacts or rapid temperature fluctuations.
Refrain from cleaning natural emeralds using steam or ultrasonic cleaners. It is essential to keep emeralds away from high heat, as this can compromise the integrity of the fillers and oils employed in treating the gemstone.
Avoid wearing emerald jewelry in environments where it may be exposed to severe impacts or heavy blows. Store emeralds separately from gemstones with higher hardness ratings to prevent scratching, as diamonds, rubies, and sapphires can potentially damage emeralds.
Over time, the oils or fillers used to treat natural emeralds may dissipate, causing the gemstone to become more brittle and prone to damage. In such cases, consulting a professional jeweler for retreatment is advisable. To clean emeralds, wash them in room temperature water to avoid subjecting them to rapid temperature changes.
Avoid using harsh detergents, petroleum distillates, or organic solvents. Store emerald jewelry in a secure location that protects it from dust, heat, and dampness, and prevents it from coming into contact with other pieces of jewelry.