Fun Facts

Millions of years ago, when the appropriate pressure and temperature were present together, these conditions formed precious crystals. Emeralds are one of these crystals, and are a member of the Beryl species of gemstones. Pure beryl is colorless, but if other metals are in the ground when crystals form magical colors appear which give rise to the various colors, turning a plain, colorless gemstone into a green, yellow, pink or blue treasure.

There are yellow diamonds, yellow sapphires and yellow tourmaline.

All colored gemstones receive their color from impurities or trace elements while in the growing process. For example the color of blue diamonds is to due Boron, and yellow diamonds are due to Nitrogen in the ground when the diamonds were formed. When Chromium (a silver metal) is in the ground where beryl is formed, green emeralds appear. When iron (a grey metal) is in the ground where beryl is grown, Yellow Emeralds appear.

Rubies, a form of Corundum, receive their red color due to chromium just like beryl does creating a green color in emerald. If iron is in the area of Corundum, yellow sapphires are born.

Yellow emeralds are more durable than green emeralds. Most green emeralds have a large amount of inclusions which can cause them to break or crack. Yellow Emeralds™ are virtually flawless, and therefore provide a much tougher gemstone than most green emeralds. In fact, Yellow Emeralds are even harder than Citrine or Tourmaline. Yellow diamonds and Yellow Sapphire are the only yellow gemstones harder than a Yellow Emerald.

A common enhancement for green emeralds is oiling, waxing or using resins to fill small cracks and fissures in the surface. These treatments are not permanent and the emeralds which are treated in this fashion can have their appearance change in time. Yellow Emeralds are never oiled, waxed or use resins to enhance the color or appearance, therefore the color and beauty will remain constant forever.

The ancient Egyptians mined emeralds nearly 4,000 years ago, and Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt was an avid collector.

 

Fun Spirituality Beliefs and Folklore

Mystical Properties: Wearing intensely yellow beryl jewelry is thought to bring cheer and help find one's willpower and reason to live and survive. Yellow Emeralds are said to bring fun, laughter and marital love. Beryl assists its possessor in learning how to filter out distractions and unnecessary stimulation. Good for relieving stress, calming the mind and improving energy.

Associated with the 3rd Chakra, the seat of Will, Life Force and Ego, it is also thought to vibrate with the higher Chakras and help with intellect and reason. Personal power, personal intellect and the value of sharing intellect are also considered strong attributes to beryl.

Healing Properties: Helps alleviate stomach and small intestines, liver, spleen and pancreas problems. It stimulates the mind, increases confidence and cleanliness. Also reduces laziness, hiccups, swollen glands, eye diseases and bowel cancer.

Feng Shui: Beryl stones are used in the Center area for harmony, balance and spiritual growth, in the North area for personal journey and in the Southwest area for relationships of any kind.

Legend says that Beryl was used to ward off demons and evil spirits. Ancient literature notes that Pliny used powdered beryl to cure eye injuries.

Whether or not the above historical myths and folklore hold any truth is yet to be scientifically proven. In this day and age of harsh reality and negativity, it is good to have something to uplift our soul and give us some needed cheer. Enjoy life! Regardless of mystical powers, wearing colored gemstones always will brighten your day!