EMERALD

ARCHANGELS:

Haniel, Jophiel, Raziel and Raphael

COLOUR:

Green

THE ORIGINS:

The emerald: a journey through history, myth and magic

The enchanted gem

Emeralds have spanned centuries, leaving an imprint among legends and symbolism. Their appeal is not only aesthetic: they are stones rich in meaning. The emerald is the quintessential green stone, so much so that it is considered a symbol of purity, loyalty and protection.
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The Emerald City and the magic of literature

In the famous novel "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," Dorothy and her friends arrive at the Emerald City, an enchanted place where everything is green and brilliant. It is a literary homage to the symbolic power of the emerald: a vision of a magical and pure world filtered through green glasses.
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Ancient origins and historic mining

As early as ancient Egypt, emerald mines - known as "Cleopatra's mines" - were celebrated for their beauty. Later, in colonial times, the mines of Colombia, particularly Muzo, Chivor and Coscuez, became renowned for the high quality of the gems.
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Myths and legends around the emerald

Many ancient populations attributed mystical powers to the emerald. In South America, Peruvian tribes worshipped a giant stone called the "Emerald Goddess," a symbol of chastity and protection. According to legend, sacred lakes such as Titicaca were enriched with emerald offerings, still the focus of tales of sunken treasures.

In the Don regions, tribes believed that emeralds grew in caves guarded by magical monsters, accessible only with the protection of spirits.
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Love, fidelity and betrayal

In the Middle Ages the emerald was thought to be able to expose infidelity: it was said to shatter in case of betrayal. Some historical anecdotes, such as the Hungarian king's ring breaking on his wedding night, reinforce this belief. Even today, the emerald symbolizes fidelity and loyalty.
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Emerald and sight: between belief and medicine

For the Romans, emerald was a cure for the eyes. Pliny the Elder recommended it to relieve visual fatigue. Emperor Nero, for example, watched gladiator contests through an emerald lens.
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Geology and provenance

Emeralds are formed through the rare meeting of beryllium with chromium or vanadium. Colombia is the world's leading producer, followed by Brazil, Zambia, Ethiopia and other countries. Emerald colourations vary according to the area of origin: those from Muzo tend to deep green, those from Chivor to lighter shades with bluish undertones.

The name comes from the Greek word smaragdus, meaning "green."

The oldest emeralds come from South Africa and date back nearly 3 billion years.

The ancient Egyptians, including Cleopatra, were great admirers of it.

Their popularity has grown through the ages, from the Roman Empire to 14th-century India.

They were considered prophetic talismans, capable of revealing truths and offering protection.
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What is emerald?

Emerald is a variety of beryl, like aquamarine or morganite. It is among the so-called "cardinal gems" along with diamonds, rubies and sapphires, historically reserved for the nobility and clergy because of their value.
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Chakra:

4th ANAHATA - the heart - (helps balance relationships and promotes emotional well-being)

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PROPERTIES, CHARACTERISTICS AND BENEFITS:

Emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl, composed of aluminum silicate and beryllium. It is valued for its bright green colour and moderate hardness (7.5-8 on the Mohs scale), making it durable but delicate compared to other gemstones.
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Technical data:

• Colour: green, green-yellow, green-blue

• Crystal structure: hexagonal

• Luster: glassy

• Transparency: transparent to opaque

• Refractive index: 1,569-1,602

• Density: 2.76

• Neckline: indistinct
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The 4Cs of Emerald (Cut, Colour, Purity, Carats)

Cut

• Most common cut: emerald cut (rectangular step-cut)

• Other cuts: oval, cushion, cabochon

• Goal: enhance colour and shine, minimize material loss
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Colour

• Ideal hue: medium-dark bluish-green with high saturation

• Stones that are too light are classified as plain green beryls
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Clarity

• Common inclusions called "jardin" (garden): they give visual depth

• In this case, inclusions do not lower the value, but characterize it
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Carat weight

• Emeralds can reach a large size

• Common stones in jewellery: 1-5 carats

• The larger it is, the higher the price
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Common treatments

Most emeralds are treated to improve their appearance and colour. The most common treatment is oiling, which improves transparency and colour vibrancy. The use of coloured oils or resins requires special care over time.
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Synthetic emeralds

Lab-created emeralds have existed since 1935 and share the same chemical and visual properties as the originals, but they are produced in the laboratory rather than in nature. They are a more affordable alternative, although the production is complex.

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Energetic and spiritual properties

The emerald symbolizes:

• Love, fidelity and friendship

• Personal growth and mental clarity

• Wisdom, insight and spiritual prosperity
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A stone to celebrate

Emerald is the stone of the month of May and of the zodiac sign Cancer. It is also traditionally associated with the 20th, 35th and 55th wedding anniversaries as a symbol of lasting and deep love.

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Symbolic meaning and powers of the emerald

In addition to beauty, the emerald has profound meanings:

• Promotes love, fidelity and friendship

• Stimulates personal growth, intuition and wisdom

• It is considered the bringer of abundance, both material and spiritual

• Protects against stress and negativity

• Helps in emotional healing and the development of empathy

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CLEANING AND RECHARGING:

Easy to maintain:

• Avoid ultrasound, boiling and steam.

• Gentle cleaning with mild soap, warm water and a soft brush.

• Do not clean too often so as not to impair its shine.