How to distinguish emerald from tourmaline?
Emerald is one of the most popular stones, along with diamond, ruby and sapphire. It belongs to the beryl group of minerals. This is one of the favorite stones of royalty and modern celebrities. Together with Zlato.ua, we’ll figure out how to choose the perfect emerald for yourself and not fall for a fake.
How emeralds are counterfeited
Option No. 1: Analogue gemstones Imitation is an attempt to replace a real stone with one similar in appearance. Moreover, the structure of minerals and their properties can be completely different. Both natural stones and artificial minerals are used as imitations. The precious velvet green stone is replaced with the following alternatives:
- demantoid (green garnet);
- tsavorite (green grossular);
- green quartz;
- tourmaline;
- jade;
- chalcedony;
- nephritis;
- chrysolite;
- prehnit.
However, replacement will not necessarily be cheap. Tourmalines or tsavorites are prized in the jewelry world. But their cost still cannot be compared with the price of a high-quality emerald.
Synthesized emeralds
It was possible to grow an emerald for the first time in 1888, and by the XNUMXst century, methods for making fakes have improved tenfold. Therefore, only a specialist can understand all the intricacies. The hardness of grown stones is identical to natural ones, and the refractive indices of light differ minimally from real emerald. The external characteristics and strength indicators of artificial minerals are several times higher than those of natural stone, and the price is lower.
Option No. 2: Doublets/triplets
Doublets and triplets are another way, when two or three glued stones of different quality are passed off as emerald. Often, along with natural stone, its imitations are paired together. They are connected with green paste, and fragments of natural emerald can be attached to the surface of the fake. They recognize deception using a refractometer – a device that calculates the refractive index of light.
Option №3:
Color inclusions and defects are one of the signs of natural stone BUT! Artificial stones are not fake. This is a more affordable alternative to natural stones with the same appearance and properties.
How to distinguish an emerald from a fake
Modern technologies have come a long way. Even experienced professionals cannot distinguish a fake from a real emerald at first glance and without examination. To determine the origin of a stone, you need a light filter, a refractometer and a magnifying glass. From this list, the average buyer will only find the third item. But there are several external signs to help when buying jewelry:
Color. The palette of emeralds ranges from juicy herbaceous to dull green. The more chromium in the stone, the richer its color and the higher the price. Light stones are inferior to them in cost. And the fakes have a noticeable yellowish tint when exposed to light.
Strength. On the Mohs scale, hardness is 7,5-8. For a diamond, this indicator is 10. But scratching the mineral or scratching the glass with it to determine its authenticity is a bad idea, because you can damage the surface of the insert.
Edges. An emerald has clear and even edges, while a fake has a slightly “softer” shape.
Purity. Insertion, noticeable when stones are illuminated in the sun or under a lamp, is another indicator of natural stone. Emeralds without visible chips or cracks are more of a happy accident than a rule. Inclusions can be gaseous, liquid or solid. Real emeralds have at least one type of inclusion. But you should be careful: doublets also have inclusions at the gluing site.
A real emerald has minor defects: inclusions, bubbles, internal cracks, scratches and abrasions. This is often one of the keys to the authenticity of a stone. Natural internal flaws are more common in emeralds than in rubies and sapphires. There is even a special name for them – “forest”. Moreover! There are cases when stones with such wood are more expensive than those that are impeccable in purity. High-quality stones are cut, specimens with a high rate of defects are processed into a cabochon in the form of a hemisphere. There is also an emerald step cut with an octagonal emerald shape.
6. Ennoblement. To improve the stone, the emerald is impregnated with cedar oil, as well as colorless or green pigment. This makes microcracks and other flaws less noticeable. This method is approved by gemologists – stone specialists. There are also more crude methods using special pastes, resins or polymers. At the same time, for large stones there is a rule: in the certificate for the stone this must be indicated as minor or insignificant. A natural emerald without a single inclusion or defect is a rare occurrence with a mark in the quality certificate no oil.
Where are emeralds mined and how does this affect their color and quality?
The origin of an emerald directly affects its shade and price. Emerald deposits are located in Colombia (from 50 to 95%), India, Pakistan, Egypt, and the Urals. Experts determine it by inclusions characteristic of a particular region. When examining stones, experts use color standards and colorimetric tables. Colombian emeralds are considered one of the best. They have a stunning bright green color and contain chromium and vanadium. Emeralds from Zambia are highly prized: they have a deep dark color with a bluish tint.
To summarize
Let’s be honest, distinguishing an emerald from an artificial stone at home and even in a store is a very controversial idea for a person who does not have special knowledge and education. None of the above methods and signs makes it possible to say 100% about the origin of the mineral. Determining the authenticity of an emerald at home is difficult: this requires special equipment. What is the client’s power?
- Be able to read the jewelry tag, which contains information about the manufacturer and the characteristics of the stone: color, clarity, cut quality.
- Buy stones and jewelry in trusted stores and from jewelers whose activities are legalized by the state.
- Be careful when purchasing, carefully inspect the jewelry for the sample and quality of metal and stone. The work must be neat, the stone is securely fastened, and on the decoration.
- If you have a suspicion or pure interest, contact a gemological center for a professional examination of the stone. But keep in mind: for the study to be adequate, you will need to remove the insert from the jewelry.
Choose the best for yourself and trust only professionals! Then jewelry disappointments won’t have a chance.
Rubellite is a stone that has stirred the hearts of many people since time immemorial.
The gem got its name in the twentieth century, and before that it was called differently: daurite, crimson schorl, red tourmaline, sibirite or apyrite. But most often rubellite was perceived as a ruby. And only with the help of research it was possible to find out that there is a difference between these stones:
- ruby gives a pure red shine;
- rubellite has a special optical property – pleochroism. The stone transforms a ray of light and plays with colors.
In the photo: ruby crystals.
In the photo: rubellite crystals.
Physical and chemical properties
Rubellite is a type of tourmaline. If we translate the name of the gem from the Latin “rubellus”, it means “reddish”. The color range includes all shades of red: from rich bright to soft pink. There are also stones with a purple tint. The most valuable minerals with a dark cherry color.
In the photo: rubellite crystals with different shades.
Rubellite has such an exciting hue due to its high manganese content. In addition, the gem contains compounds of sodium, lithium and aluminum.
Color – all shades of pink, red;
Brilliance – glass;
Hardness – 7-7,5;
Density – 2,90 – 3,26 g/cm3;
Syngonia – trigonal;
Cleavage – absent;
Kink – conchoidal;
Refractive indices – 1,62 – 1,64.
Place of Birth
Rubellite is formed in rocks adjacent to other varieties of tourmaline. Sometimes gems are found in ores that are of igneous origin. The mineral is resistant to high temperatures, water and air masses. Therefore, they are often found in river beds, on gentle slopes, in karst cavities, and in mountain sedimentary deposits.
In the photo: rubellite crystals in rock
In the photo: rubellite crystals in rock
Gems are mined in Brazilian mines, as well as in Germany, the Czech Republic, Brazil, Italy, Madagascar, and the USA – the states of California, Maine, and Massachusetts. In Russia, this gem is found in the Middle Urals and Transbaikalia.
Magical properties
According to some beliefs, it helps to find and keep love. The stone is able to fight groundless fears and eliminate self-doubt.
Also, according to esotericists, it is believed that rubellite has the ability to reflect and accept the emotions of its owner. The mineral returns and increases the feelings that its owner shares with others. If you give people kindness and love, you can get the same and even more in return. Therefore, you should not wear jewelry with rubellite when you are irritated.
In the photo: a cross-section of a rubellite crystal.
Medicinal properties
People believe in the healing properties of this mineral. The stone is said to help cope with diseases of the thyroid gland and stomach. It also normalizes blood pressure, improves hormonal levels, strengthens the nervous system, and improves immunity. Many believe that rubellite helps improve memory and protects against nightmares. Lithotherapists claim that the stone is capable of rejuvenating the skin.
Ring “Alex Red”
Rubellite 11,11 carats
The imagination of artist-designers Maxim Demidov helped them create the “Alex Red” ring, impressive in every detail. This exclusive decoration is dedicated to one of the most beautiful varieties of red roses, which have become an invariable classic when declaring love.
The visual integrity of the precious flower is ensured by the harmonious combination of rare stones that complement each other in sharp contrast. The diamond petals that make up the frame seem to flutter alive around an incomparable bud – the brightest rubellite from Brazil.
The most lusciously colored type of tourmaline weighing 11,11 carats, which has a special effect on the emotional mood and improves mood, is expressive surrounded by almost a hundred transparent crystals of the first order, proving with its frantic radiance that there are unfading roses in the world for the one and only lady – those that are embodied in precious stones.
Ring “Unparalleled Greatness”
Rubellite 8,65 carats
No matter what century the beautiful lady lived in, be it ancient Greece, the romantic Middle Ages or the modern world of luxurious receptions, the highly artistic “Matchless Grandeur” ring will always emphasize the high status of the owner thanks to its classic design and outstanding selection of precious stones. The owner’s desire to be unique is easily satisfied by the majestic main accent of the designer’s jewelry – a unique rubellite mined from a mine in Brazil.
Captivating the attention of those around her with her beauty, as well as those who know how to properly manage their existing wealth and understand that a gemstone with such characteristics is a profitable investment, the South American gem sits proudly on an intricate throne of white gold, distinguished by hand-made grace.
Surrounding the stunning central mineral weighing 8,65 carats with a scattering of almost a hundred diamonds, Maxim Demidov jewelers skillfully emphasized the rich color of the purest rubellite, the magical power of which will make the search for a soulmate in life successful and reward the owner with positive emotions.
Ring “Embodying a fiery miracle”
Rubellite 17,49 carats
Representative design, distinguished by a modern interpretation of the classics and precious stones of the highest quality have long become the recognizable style of Maxim Demidov jewelry.
The combination of these jewelry qualities became the key to the luxurious representativeness of the exclusive ring, in the heart of which shines a real fiery miracle – a large rubellite from Brazil. Embodying with its brilliance an unquenchable flame, ready to burn despite the passage of time, the 17,49-carat gem is uncompromisingly bright, framed by numerous diamonds.
Due to the mobility of the fasteners, first-order crystals communicate even more interestingly with the juicy rubellite, causing delight with the perfect play of masterfully drawn edges and the outstanding energy emanating from a highly artistic exclusive.
Price on request
Ring “Alex Red”
Rubellite 11,11 carats
The imagination of artist-designers Maxim Demidov helped them create the “Alex Red” ring, impressive in every detail. This exclusive decoration is dedicated to one of the most beautiful varieties of red roses, which have become an invariable classic when declaring love.
The visual integrity of the precious flower is ensured by the harmonious combination of rare stones that complement each other in sharp contrast. The diamond petals that make up the frame seem to flutter alive around an incomparable bud – the brightest rubellite from Brazil.
The most lusciously colored type of tourmaline weighing 11,11 carats, which has a special effect on the emotional mood and improves mood, is expressive surrounded by almost a hundred transparent crystals of the first order, proving with its frantic radiance that there are unfading roses in the world for the one and only lady – those that are embodied in precious stones.
Ring “Unparalleled Greatness”
Rubellite 8,65 carats
No matter what century the beautiful lady lived in, be it ancient Greece, the romantic Middle Ages or the modern world of luxurious receptions, the highly artistic “Matchless Grandeur” ring will always emphasize the high status of the owner thanks to its classic design and outstanding selection of precious stones. The owner’s desire to be unique is easily satisfied by the majestic main accent of the designer’s jewelry – a unique rubellite mined from a mine in Brazil.
Captivating the attention of those around her with her beauty, as well as those who know how to properly manage their existing wealth and understand that a gemstone with such characteristics is a profitable investment, the South American gem sits proudly on an intricate throne of white gold, distinguished by hand-made grace.
Surrounding the stunning central mineral weighing 8,65 carats with a scattering of almost a hundred diamonds, Maxim Demidov jewelers skillfully emphasized the rich color of the purest rubellite, the magical power of which will make the search for a soulmate in life successful and reward the owner with positive emotions.
Ring “Embodying a fiery miracle”
Rubellite 17,49 carats
Representative design, distinguished by a modern interpretation of the classics and precious stones of the highest quality have long become the recognizable style of Maxim Demidov jewelry.
The combination of these jewelry qualities became the key to the luxurious representativeness of the exclusive ring, in the heart of which shines a real fiery miracle – a large rubellite from Brazil. Embodying with its brilliance an unquenchable flame, ready to burn despite the passage of time, the 17,49-carat gem is uncompromisingly bright, framed by numerous diamonds.
Due to the mobility of the fasteners, first-order crystals communicate even more interestingly with the juicy rubellite, causing delight with the perfect play of masterfully drawn edges and the outstanding energy emanating from a highly artistic exclusive.
Price on request
To whom does
Rubellite, according to astrologers, has a patron planet – Venus. The planet is named after the goddess of love and favors Libra and Taurus. These zodiac signs get all the support of the gem.
But that is not all. Astrologers give a wonderful forecast for other zodiac signs:
- the gem for Aries will become a faithful protector and protect in difficult times;
- The mineral will give inspiration to Cancers;
- for Leo, the gem will provide support and strengthen the inner sense of justice;
- For Scorpios, the stone will help restore internal energy reserves;
- for Sagittarius it will become a reliable talisman and guide them in the right direction when making difficult decisions;
- The gem is able to protect Pisces from gossip.
Jewelry Care
Protect jewelry with rubellites from accidental impacts, direct sunlight and chemicals. This may harm the stone.
You need to remove dirt from jewelry using soap suds, running water and a soft cloth.
We do not recommend drying jewelry near heating appliances. We recommend storing it in a separate box or case.
Set “Symbolism of Passion”
Ring: Rubellite 1,91 carats
Each gemstone carries a certain meaning and high symbolism. Some inspire creative people, others attract wealth. But purple-red gems look especially attractive and bright, containing in their depths the alluring tenderness of the morning dawn and the expression of the evening sunset.
It is precisely this dualistic symbolism that is filled with three rubellites, which have become the main semantic centers of the solar set, in which the overall laconic design looks incredibly artistic thanks to the luxurious sparkling inlay with noble diamonds and royal sapphires.
Encased in a glossy yellow gold frame, the trio of masterfully cut Brazilian gems weighing a total of 4,49 carats immediately attracts attention with their sparkling brilliance and enthusiastic hue, giving rise to genuine passion in the heart and filling the life of the owner with bright moments.
Set “Ruby Shine”
Ring: Rubellite 11,34 carats
Looking at the set, exquisite in its stylistic rigor, with juicy rubellites, it seems that fate itself is throwing us this delightful surprise so that we experience new fresh emotions. After all, emotions are a sign of a “living soul.” They reveal personality in all its glory.
But, of course, the masters of Maxim Demidov acted as a skillful “instrument” of fate that made the heart beat faster, creating a piece of jewelry with a geometric progression of exciting and vivid impressions, despite the laconicism of the form.
To create the set, three of the rarest dizzying cabochon-cut rubellites were chosen, most clearly conveying all the beauty and incredible energy of gems, thanks to which its owner will receive a charge of inspiration.
Surrounded by a sparkling band of diamonds and set in white gold, the ruby gemstones, weighing a total of 38,35 carats, never let you doubt their exclusivity for a second and will always remind you of how exceptional their owner is.
Price on request
Set “Fiery outfit”
Ring: Rubellite 6,24 carats
The lady in red is dancing with me cheek to cheek
I’ll never forget
the way you look tonight…
Everyone, at least once in their life, not only listened to this famous song by Chris de Burgh “Lady in red”, but danced around to it, forgetting about everything except the feeling of their partner:
Lady in red dances with me cheek to cheek
I will never forget,
How do you look today.
Yes, it’s hard not to notice a woman even with a small fiery detail in her image, and even harder to forget, because according to psychologists, this color has an incredible amount of energy and strength.
Embodying the exciting aesthetics of red, Maxim Demidov craftsmen have created a dazzling set that gives true pleasure to those in whose hearts romance and love live.
Built on the color contrast of precious stones of the highest characteristics, the jewelry set delights with its balance: the expression of the main accents – a trio of standard juicy rubellites with a total weight of 17,85 carats – is “compensated” by the soft shapes of the frame.
Fancy golden lines, richly encrusted with sparkling diamonds, enchantingly subtly highlight the masterful cutting of juicy Brazilian gems, the most prized among the color variety of tourmalines.
The exclusive set with scarlet rubellites “Fiery Outfit”, distinguished by its enchanting but at the same time elegant aesthetics, can effectively complement any simple outfit, becoming a bright and memorable accent of the image.
