Emeralds - The Green Gem of Egypt

The emerald is a well known and highly coveted green gemstone. The unique green color sets it apart from all other gemstones, making it one of the most sought out gemstones on the market today. The beautiful green color is caused by chromium impurities found in the mineral beryl, of which the gemstone is primarily made up. Generally speaking, the deeper color of green that any one stone has the higher its value. The lighter colors of emeralds are beautiful to some, but not actually considered emeralds but green beryl, and these are not as valuable.

Emeralds are beautiful but they are known for being flawed, which perhaps makes them even more desired. The way that the emeralds grow makes them more likely to be flawed, so when gemstones are found that are not all that flawed or near perfect they are very rare, and therefore very valuable. Because the emerald is generally flawed, many people actually prefer the small flaws. The reason for this is that it not only makes the gemstone unique, it also proves that it is an authentic emerald, as synthetic emeralds have become quite common in recent years.

Some of the most prized emeralds come from a mine in Muzo, which was discovered by the Spaniards in 1558. The reason that these emeralds are so valuable is because they have a very unusual pattern of rays that come from the center of the stones. These emeralds are known as Trapiche emeralds and are very rare, beautiful, and very valuable. The hexagonal pattern of rays in these emeralds are unique because they are not caused by rays of light, but by a very specific pattern of black carbon impurities.

When buying emeralds one has to take care to get what they are paying for. Synthetic stones and fakes are a dime a dozen so it is important that you do your research before buying and that you make every attempt to buy from a reputable dealer. The fakes have gotten quite good, so much so that one may not be able to tell the real thing from the fake. In some instances two lighter color stones are glued together with a deep green paste, which has the result of a beautiful emerald when it is anything but.

There are many different types of emeralds for you to choose from, which you will find when you start shopping or doing your research. The Colombian, Brazilian, Zambian, Trapiche, Star, and Cats Eye emeralds are all very beautiful. For obvious reasons, some of these are more common than others. For instance, the Star and Cats Eye emeralds are very rare so you won't find these as frequently as the others.

Jewelry by Morgan is one of Kansas City's leading fine jewelers. Come in to the store to learn more about emerald gemstones, diamond, wedding jewelry or any other jewelry questions or needs that you may have. We would love to have you as a guest in our store.