1. Color: Emeralds are most commonly known for their green color, which is caused by trace amounts of chromium and vanadium impurities in the beryl mineral. The ideal color of an emerald is a vibrant, slightly bluish green, known as "emerald green."
2. Clarity: Emeralds are rarely found without inclusions or flaws, which are tiny fractures, minerals, or gas bubbles trapped within the stone. These inclusions are often visible to the naked eye and can affect the overall clarity of the emerald. However, some inclusions may be so small that they are only visible under magnification.
3. Cut: Emeralds are typically cut in a step cut or emerald cut, which is a rectangular shape with beveled edges. This cut showcases the clarity and color of the emerald while maximizing its weight. Other less common cuts include cabochons (smooth, domed cuts) and fancy shapes such as ovals, pears, and hearts.
4. Carat Weight: Like other gemstones, emeralds are measured in carats. Larger emeralds are generally more valuable than smaller ones, assuming other quality factors are equal.
5. Origin: Emeralds are found in various locations around the world, including Colombia, Brazil, Zambia, and Russia. The origin of an emerald can impact its value and desirability, as some regions are known for producing emeralds of exceptional quality.
6. Hardness: Emeralds have a hardness of 7.5 on the Mohs scale, making them relatively durable and suitable for everyday wear. However, they should still be handled with care to avoid damage or chipping.
7. Treatments: To enhance their clarity and appearance, emeralds are often subjected to treatments such as oiling or resin filling. Oiling involves infusing the emerald with colorless oils to reduce the visibility of surface-reaching fractures. This treatment is considered traditional and accepted in the gem trade.