How to distinguish a sapphire from an emerald?

Ruby is a transparent red modification of corundum – aluminum oxide Al2O3. The name comes from Lat. rubeus – red. The red color of ruby ​​is determined by the admixture of chromium oxide; with an increase in its content (up to 1,8%), the color becomes thicker (the color of “pigeon’s blood”). Some rubies have a silky sheen, which is caused by inclusions of the finest rutile needles, arranged randomly. After heating with slow cooling, the needles are oriented and intersect at an angle of 120°. In such cases, the mineral is usually cut in the form of a cabochon, revealing “star formation” (asterism) in the form of a 6-rayed star. Corundum is the second hardest mineral (9) after diamond on the Mohs scale. Density 4,0. The refractive indices are quite high, 1,76–1,77. The melting point is 2030° C, which largely determines its industrial use. Trigonal syngony. The shape of the crystals is predominantly thick tabular. Most of the noble corundums are mined from placers, where they arrive as a result of weathering of parent rocks (metamorphic schists, gneisses, crystalline limestones). The best rubies come from Mogok (Myanmar), with slightly darker colored stones found near Bangkok (Thailand). Less brightly colored samples come from Sri Lanka. Red corundums of somewhat poorer quality were found in Macon County (North Carolina, USA). Rubies are prized for their rich color. Rubies of high quality, without defects, are very rare and are more expensive than diamonds of the same mass. The famous De Long star ruby ​​from Myanmar, weighing 100 carats, is kept in the American Museum of Natural History (J.P. Morgan collection), and the largest gem-quality crystal, the Edwards, weighing 167 carats, also from Myanmar, is in the British Museum. Sapphire is a precious variety of corundum Al2O3. The name comes from the Hebrew “saffeiros” – blue jewelry stones (mainly lapis lazuli and sapphire). Color: blue, purple, green, yellow, orange, pink. There are black and colorless sapphires (leucosapphire) and the most expensive dark blue and cornflower blue (royal sapphire). Often the color of sapphires is distributed unevenly: in one stone you can see two or three shades and even different colors. Sapphires are known to have an “Alexandrite effect” and change color depending on the light source. The blue color of natural sapphire is due to the presence of iron in di- and trivalent form, yellow – due to an admixture of trivalent iron, orange – mainly due to an admixture of chromium, violet corundum contains iron, chromium and sometimes titanium. If vanadium is added to these chromophores, the “Alexandrite effect” appears. Sapphire is transparent (jewelry) or translucent. Glass shine. There is no cleavage, but transverse separation is often observed. Trigonal syngony. The shape of the crystals is usually elongated bipyramidal, spindle-shaped or barrel-shaped. Sapphire is formed in marbles, basalts or pegmatites. It is mined mainly from placers. The best sapphires come from India, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Other suppliers – Australia, Colombia, Kenya, USA. Expensive jewelry stones also include opaque star sapphires, in which, after processing in the form of a cabochon, a 6- or 12-rayed star is revealed, sliding along the surface of the stone when it is turned. This property (asterism) is due to inclusions of thin needles of rutile, oriented along certain crystallographic directions, intersecting at an angle of 120°, or the presence of hollow tubular tubules running in the crystal in the same directions. Emerald (smaragd) is the most valuable and best studied variety of beryl; used in jewelry since antiquity. The name comes from Lat. smaragdus, Greek (c)maragdos – “green”. The Russian name supposedly comes from the Arabic-Persian “zummurud”. Color: light to dark green; grassy green; sometimes yellowish-green. Luster: glassy. Hardness: 7,5 – 8,0 on the Mohs scale. Density: 2,69 – 2,78 g/cmXNUMX. Cleavage: absent; the fracture is uneven to conchoidal; fragile; numerous inclusions weaken the cohesion of the material. Optical properties: uniaxial mineral, optically negative. Inclusions: numerous. The type and nature of the inclusions are taken into account when classifying an emerald; they determine whether it is a natural stone or a synthetic one; they can also help identify where the stone was quarried. The most characteristic are inclusions of bubbles of liquid and gases, as well as minerals, forming clusters called “Jardins” (from the French. jardin – “garden”) Small inclusions can form a veil – multidirectional stripes inside the crystal. Depending on the place of emerald mining, the following types of inclusions are distinguished: for example, ingrowths of biotite (numerous), actinolite and calcite, as well as a few three-phase inclusions are characteristic of Australian emeralds. Scattered accumulations of acicular tremolite and rounded mica blades, as well as intergrowths of biotite, tourmaline, epidote, apatite, titanite and rutile are typical of Australian specimens. Deposits: Norway, Austria, Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, Russia, Egypt, Madagascar, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Brazil, Colombia, USA, Australia, Libya, Algeria, Poland. Use: Emeralds are among the most famous gemstones. Their unique color has enchanted people for thousands of years. The emerald was admired by Shulamith, Solomon’s beloved, Cleopatra and Lucretia Borgia. In Ancient Egypt, emerald was considered the precious stone of the mother of the gods, Isis. Today it is known that there were hundreds of mines on the slopes of Jabal Sukait and Jabal Zubair in Upper Egypt, approximately 100 miles northeast of the ancient city of Siene (Aswan). Numerous mining tools have been preserved from the time of Sesostris (16th century BC). Apparently, from here emeralds reached the Middle East, as well as Greece and Rome, where their value increased many times over. They were valued by the emperors Domitian and Nero, and the Great Mogul Babur loved them: the surprise of his contemporaries was his large turban pin, which was decorated with three beautiful emeralds, the largest of which weighed 490 carats. Many of Babur’s jewels are currently stored in one of the banks in Tehran and are the coronation regalia of the Persian shahs. Emerald became the talisman stone of Muslims. Emerald was brought to Europe by the Arabs. Many unclear circumstances that excite the imagination are associated with the treasures of the Mayans, Aztecs and Incas, for whom emerald was the most valuable stone (it was called the “Peruvian stone”). Numerous treasures from the Temple of the Sun and the Golden Palace of the Inca ruler – golden statues, dishes, even wall cladding – were almost completely lost after they were sent to Europe. A beautiful emerald the size of an ostrich egg, which the ancient Peruvian Indians revered as a deity, also disappeared; excellent, fantastically shaped emeralds, known only from the description of Cortez, perished (in a sunken ship). The fate of the huge emerald crystals that Francisco Pizarro donated to the Spanish church – the so-called Crown of the Andes, and many other stones – is unknown. Since the 19th century Emeralds are increasingly adorning European aristocrats. An example would be Queen Victoria’s engagement ring or the beautiful jewelry set that Elizabeth II still enjoys using. The most beautiful piece of jewelry is the famous brooch of Queen Eugenie, made in the shape of a hummingbird and skillfully decorated with emeralds and diamonds. Interest in emerald continues to this day, but large specimens are now rare. The world’s largest emerald crystal, found in 1974. in Brazil, had a mass of 28,2 kg. “Emerald Kokovina” is an intergrowth of crystals stored in the Mineralogical Museum of the Russian Academy of Sciences, weighing 2,226 kg. The Diamond Fund of Russia contains a diamond found in 1978. in the Urals, the “Glorious Ural” emerald, weighing 978 g, with areas of jewelry quality with a total weight of 672 g. In Volyn (Ukraine) in 1979 An emerald crystal of impeccable grass-green color, weighing 26 carats (800 g), entirely of jewelry quality, was found. Cut specimens are kept in museums and collections. In the Vienna Museum of Art and Industry (Kunsthistorisches Museum) there is a vase 10 cm high and weighing 2681 carats, carved in Milan in the XNUMXth century. made of dark green Colombian emerald. The Topkapi Sarya Museum (Istanbul, the palace of the Turkish sultans) houses several large crystals of lush green color; as well as many cut stones. In Tehran, in the Markazi bank there are many cabochons and facet-cut stones, both mounted and unmounted, weighing from 100 to 300 carats. In the American Museum of Natural History there is a beautiful “Patricia” emerald weighing 1200 carats. In the British Museum – a dark green crystal weighing 1384 carats; There are also numerous examples with faceted cuts. The Russian Diamond Fund exhibits the famous “Emerald Table” – a diamond brooch with a square Colombian emerald of dark green color, weighing 136,25 carats; in the Hermitage (St. Petersburg) there is a pendant made in Spain from the XNUMXth century. – a cross of five emeralds, with a caravel attached to it, the body of which is carved from an emerald weighing about 125 carats. The largest carved emerald is considered to be the “Mogol”, weighing 217,8 carats, mined in Colombia. Its front side is decorated with carvings in the form of floral patterns; On the reverse side there is a Muslim prayer test and the year – 1695. Private collections contain beautiful emeralds from the so-called “Crown of the Incas Leader.” Such huge pieces are not found in modern jewelry; usually these are small stones weighing 2 – 3 carats, often dirty, light green, yellow-green, or black-green in color. Pure specimens, intensely green (emerald green), weighing more than 5 carats, are considered jewelry rarities. Most often they are used in jewelry sets or in exclusive jewelry that has artistic significance. The cut shape is varied; Predominant are step cuts, wedge cuts (cross cuts) and emerald cuts. For highly contaminated emeralds, cabochon, spherical, or other derived shapes are used. Large and dirty specimens are usually engraved. The so-called improved stones are also known; when heated in oil (for example, cedar), they hide their near-surface defects, scratches and cracks. Synthetic stones and imitations are born in their mounted form. Anykey-It website maintenance Hello, friends! Today I want to tell you about my favorites – Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald. These stones traditionally belong to the first group of precious stones. I will dwell on each in more detail and tell you my feelings from communicating with them. Ruby is the king of gems. Ruby gets its name from the Latin word rubella, meaning red. The color range of Ruby includes all its shades. Ruby is valued on a par with Diamond, and among the ancient Romans the stone was several times more expensive. Ruby has been known to people since ancient times. The first information about ruby ​​dates back to the 6th century. BC. It was in the legends of India that the ruby ​​was first called the “king of stones.” The main deposits of ruby ​​are India, Thailand, Kenya, Tanzania, and Sri Lanka. Ruby became the first precious stone that could be produced artificially – this happened at the end of the 19th century in France, and since then the era of artificial minerals began. Laboratory-grown rubies can also be found in ancient rings from the early 20th century, and they can only be distinguished using special actions – they are externally identical, and were produced by simulating the entire cycle of natural processes. Energetically, ruby ​​represents the flame raging in the human soul. Ruby is useful for melancholic and shy people – it gives them self-confidence and gives them the necessary vitality. Ruby is a stone of monetary success, and it serves especially well those who are initially not suited to doing business – dreamy people, “with their head in the clouds.” In addition, Ruby is a talisman of life and love! Sapphire is Ruby’s brother. The name of the stone comes from the Greek term “sappheiros”, which means “blue stone”. One of the most revered and mysterious stones of antiquity. Sapphire is characterized by high hardness and strong brilliance. Sapphires have a very rich range of colors – in addition to the usual blue stones, there are also gem-quality sapphires in orange, yellow, green and pink. But still, the cornflower blue velvety color is most valued. Star sapphires with an asterism effect are highly prized. Just like star rubies, sapphires that have this outstanding quality are cut into cabochons. Sapphire has also been known to man since ancient times, and the number of magical and healing properties attributed to this stone is in no way inferior to the variety of properties of Ruby. The rarity and perfect beauty of sapphire made it a “guest” of the royal treasuries and classified it as one of the most expensive and revered stones. The most famous Sapphire deposits are located in Russia, India, USA, Vietnam, Australia, Madagascar, Thailand, Burma, Sri Lanka and China. There are no large deposits in Russia where Sapphire can be mined on an industrial scale. It is worth noting the manifestations of blue Sapphire in the Urals and on the Kola Peninsula. For a long time, the largest cut sapphire was considered to be the stone that belonged to the Burmese ruler. Its weight was 951 carats. In 1966, again in Burma, a sapphire was found, the uncut mass of which was 12,6 kg (that’s 63000 carats!). In addition, the stone not only had a beautiful bluish-gray tint, but also had asterism. Only the sapphire found in Sri Lanka could surpass it in size. The giant handsome man weighed 19 kilograms. Sapphire is a symbol of purity, purity and constancy. Sapphire is an attractive stone, and once you see it, you don’t want to let it go. According to my feelings, the energy of Sapphires is very powerful! Emerald is a first class gemstone, on a par with Diamond, Ruby and Sapphire. The color of an emerald is the main criterion in its evaluation. The best emeralds have a rich, vibrant green color and transparency. Emeralds were widely known in ancient times and were highly valued by ancient cultures. The inhabitants of Babylon traded them back in 4000 BC. e. The famous emerald mines of Cleopatra were located in the vicinity of Aswan (Egypt). For centuries it was believed that these mines were just a legend, but in 1818 they were rediscovered. At that time, few emeralds were found in them, but tools were found in the mine that were later determined to date back to 1300 BC. e. The most beautiful Emeralds are mined in Colombia – up to 95% of the world’s total production, but all deposits are privately owned. Zambia ranks second after Colombia in emerald mining. Russia also occupies a leading position. The first artificial emerald was produced in Germany in 1935. Currently, synthetic stones are produced on an industrial scale in many countries. Emerald enhances positive energy, develops the ability to navigate difficult situations, and make the right decisions. Emerald is a stone of composure and wisdom. An emerald amulet brings happiness to a pure-hearted, simple and sincere person. I see emerald as a living and energetic stone. A stone of new ideas and new strength. At least, looking at it and holding it in your hands, you feel cheerful and in a great mood! Jewelers all over the world love to create jewelry by combining these three gemstones together! Beautiful jewelry for you!;)