Emeralds have long captivated people with their vivid green color and mystical allure. But what exactly causes emeralds to be green? The green color of emeralds comes from traces of chromium and/or vanadium present in the gemstone’s crystal structure. However, the exact hue of green can vary depending on the chemical composition and how the emerald formed. This leads many to wonder – what is the true, real color of emerald?
The Cause of Emerald’s Green Color
Emeralds belong to the beryl family of minerals. Pure beryl is colorless, but trace elements can tint the crystals in different hues. For emeralds, it is chromium and/or vanadium impurities that lend the green color. These elements replace some of the aluminum atoms in beryl’s crystal lattice structure.
The specific shade of green depends on the amount of chromium and/or vanadium present. A higher concentration typically results in a deeper, more vivid green. The hue can range from a pale green, to grass green, to a deep forest green. Other factors like clarity and tone also play a role in the final color observed.
The Many Shades of Natural Emerald
While green is requisite for a gem to be considered an emerald, they do come in a wide variety of green shades and intensities. Here are some of the most common natural emerald colors:
– Pale Green – These emeralds have subtle hints of green and often look almost blue-green. They usually have very low concentrations of chromium and/or vanadium.
– Yellowish Green – This variety has a noticeable yellowish tint to the green color. The body tone tends to be light.
– Bluish Green – Emeralds in this range appear more blue-green or have a teal undertone. The concentration of chromium and/or vanadium is moderate to high.
– Grass Green – This vibrant, lively green is reminiscent of fresh spring grass. It is considered a classic emerald shade.
– Forest Green – Deeper and darker than grass green emeralds, forest green emeralds are a rich jewel-tone green. Vanadium often contributes to this darker color.
The Finest Emerald Green
Connoisseurs generally agree that the most beautiful, desirable shade of emerald is a vivid grass green with Medium to Medium-Dark tone. This green is bright and intense without being too light or too dark.
The grass green color strikes the perfect balance between yellow and blue undertones. It has just enough blue to look green rather than yellowish but not so much as to appear dull or dark. Lively and crisp, a vibrant grass green is universally flattering.
For example, the Rockefeller Emerald is one of the finest gems in the world and displays a quintessential emerald green color:
| Color: | Medium slightly yellowish Green |
| Tone: | Medium |
Does Source Matter?
Can the source deposit influence emerald’s color? Do certain localities consistently produce a characteristic green? There is disagreement over this.
Some gemologists argue factors like weathering and metamorphism of the host rock before or during emerald formation have little effect. They believe that composition of the fluids from which the emeralds crystallized determines the color-causing trace elements incorporated. The geology of the source matters less than fluid chemistry in producing certain emerald colors.
However, others counter that source geology can impact the availability of chromium, vanadium, and other impurities for incorporation during growth. For example, emeralds from the Panjshir Valley in Afghanistan often display a bluish green color. Meanwhile, emeralds from Brazil’s Bahia mines lean more yellow-green. This suggests geological conditions may play some role in typical coloring. More research is needed to resolve this debate fully.
Color Enhancement
It is important to note that some emeralds undergo treatments to alter their color. The most common method is through oil impregnation, where clear oils are absorbed into surface-reaching fractures and pores, improving apparent color and clarity. Waxing and tinting with dyes or colored oils can also alter emerald’s appearance.
Untreated natural emeralds are most valuable. If color enhancement is suspected, specialized testing by a qualified gemologist is recommended to determine if an emerald is in its true natural state of color. The amount of color change permitted and disclosure required depends on local industry standards and regulations. Buyers should exercise caution when color seems too good to be true.
Conclusion
Emerald derives its signature green color from trace amounts of chromium and/or vanadium impurities. However, many shades of green can occur depending on the precise chemical composition. While personal preference varies, gem experts generally consider vibrant grass green with medium tone to be the most attractive and desirable emerald color. An emerald’s source geology may play some role but is likely secondary to fluid composition in determining the hue. Caution should be taken to ensure emeralds are minimally treated and display their natural color as far as possible. When shopping for emeralds, it pays to learn how to evaluate color objectively and natural origin confidently.
The Real Color – Vibrant Grass Green
In summary, while there is a range of natural emerald green colors, the quintessential shade is a vibrant grass green with medium tone. This lively green strikes an ideal balance of yellow and blue without appearing dull or dark. When paired with good clarity and cut, a vivid grass green emerald will display the most beautiful and desirable color. While personal preferences differ, this vibrant yet natural green is broadly considered the real, definitive color of emerald among gem aficionados. Other greens may occur naturally as well, but vibrant grass green remains the consummate emerald hue.
