7 SIMPLE TRICKS FOR EMERALD STONE IDENTIFICATION

There is widespread use of duplicate and synthetic emeralds. But it is difficult for the average person to know the difference between real and duplicate emeralds. These are made in labs from synthetic green stones or chemical compositions. These laboratory-created stones appear to be natural emeralds.

To understand the difference, first, you need to know their type.

NATURAL

Natural emerald, also known as Panna stone, is formed over time within the earth. South America and Columbia are the two largest exporters of emeralds worldwide. Our neighboring countries, such as Afghanistan and Pakistan, are also producers of emeralds. But Columbian emeralds are the purest and most valuable ones.

SYNTHETIC

They are created in a laboratory or are man-made. You have to understand the fact that these are not duplicates since they are made from the same chemical composition as natural emeralds. They have no value in astrology.

IMITATION

Imitations are alternative materials, such as glass or a lesser-valued look-alike gemstone, that are used to mimic the appearance of an emerald. Some popular emerald imitations are peridot, garnet, different kinds of beryl, and chromium diopside.

Identification of emerald

Some tests for emerald stone identification, which can be done by anyone,

1. Look for imperfections

Real emeralds have lots of imperfections, while the duplicates are flawless. You will hardly find any inclusions. If you put a natural gemstone up against natural lighting, you can see all the imperfections, while in a synthetic one, you will find many perfections.

2. Try to check the pattern of inclusion

If you find inclusion that is only in one direction and does not have multiple types of inclusion, then this is certainly a duplicate emerald. If it had inclusion in all directions, then it would be a real emerald.

3. Color zoning

You will find color zoning in real emeralds, which is not there in synthetic ones. Real emerald has angular color zoning. This means that when you zoom in, you will notice that the color is darker in some places and lighter in others. You will not find such inclusion in duplicate stones.

4. Corners observation test

Real emerald has a Mohs hardness of 7.5 to 8.0, while glass has 5.5 and fluorite has 4.0. So if you look carefully, you will find sharp corners in the real one, while a duplicate one has a slightly round corner. They do not show a crisp corner.

5. The oil test

Take any clear food oil and put your stone in it. If you see the base of the emerald in a darker green color and the rest of the material is transparent, then it is a doublet, which means a pasted emerald. Other than this, to improve the hue of a faint real emerald, the rear is sometimes painted with green lacquer.

6. Observe the surface carefully

Start by looking at the emerald’s surface. Authentic emeralds often have certain surface features that can help with identification. Genuine emeralds may have small surface-reaching fractures or fissures. These are often filled with natural oils or resins. These inclusions can indicate authenticity.

7. UV light test

Hold the emerald and observe under a long-wave ultraviolet (UV) light. real emeralds usually don’t glow yet occasionally, might give off a faint red glow.

REMEMBER

Artificially made imitations, in contrast to natural emeralds, usually appear too beautiful and clean and if you are getting them at a cheaper price, then it is probably a duplicate.

colour zoning in emerald
Colour Zoning
inclusions in natural emerald
Natural Inclusion
emerald center out
Center Out in a Natural Emerald
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