Emeralds, though not as durable as diamonds, boast a moderate level of hardness. However, they’re still susceptible to chipping or scratching if treated roughly, potentially affecting their value.
Understanding the Mohs scale, which measures a gem’s hardness, is crucial for both gem enthusiasts and appraisers alike. This scale not only assesses a gem’s durability but also indicates the delicateness of the stone and the level of care required for its preservation.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into an appraiser’s perspective on the hardness and wearability of emeralds, offering insights into what factors affect their durability and how to evaluate them accurately.
What is the Mohs Scale?
The Mohs Scale is a tool used to measure the hardness of minerals. It rates minerals on a scale from 1 to 10 based on their ability to scratch one another. For example, a mineral with a higher number on the Mohs Scale can scratch a mineral with a lower number. Diamonds, with a rating of 10, are the hardest mineral on the scale, while talc, with a rating of 1, is the softest. This scale helps us understand how durable minerals are and how they might be used in various applications, such as jewelry or construction.
Emerald’s Place on the Mohs Scale
On the Mohs Scale, emeralds typically have a hardness rating ranging from 7.5 to 8. This places them in the middle of the scale, indicating they are relatively durable but not as hard as other gemstones like diamonds.
“Emeralds are one of the big threes of colored stones and are valuable jewelry pieces,” notes Ms. Willyn Villarica, a licensed Graduate Gemologist and the first Filipino member of the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers. “However, the design of the emerald jewelry should be well executed to protect the stone from scratches and chipping,” she adds.
Are emeralds hard enough for daily wear?
Yes, emeralds are generally hard, making them suitable gemstones for everyday wear. However, it’s important to handle them with care to avoid scratches or damage. By being mindful of how we wear and care for emeralds, we can ensure they maintain their beauty and integrity for years to come.
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Factors Influencing Emerald Hardness
It’s crucial for anyone who loves or possesses emeralds to grasp the factors that impact their hardness. Here are a few examples:
Composition
Emeralds are composed primarily of the mineral beryl, which contributes to their overall hardness. However, the presence of certain impurities, such as chromium and vanadium, can affect their structural integrity and hardness.
Inclusions
Inclusions like gas, water, and even crystals are common in natural emeralds, weakening their structure and hardness. A combination of these inclusions is categorized or described as two-phase (where an inclusion contains a gas bubble inside a crystal inclusion) or as three-phase (where an inclusion has a crystal that has water and gas inside) inclusions!
These imperfections create vulnerable points, increasing the risk of damage to the gemstone and making it extremely tricky to set into jewelry. Having a highly skilled bench jeweler is an absolute MUST when it comes to setting an emerald beryl.
Grading Emerald Clarity
Because of these inclusions, emeralds are graded differently from other colored stones. Application of heat in emeralds may lead to these inclusions “explode” inside, causing fractures. This is the reason why emeralds are graded in the following categories:
- Eye clean – where without the use of a loupe, the emerald appears to have no inclusions;
- Slightly eye clean – where without the use of a loupe, there are visible inclusions that can be seen;
- Moderately eye clean – where without the use of a loupe, there are visible inclusions that can easily seen; and
- Included – where without the use of the loupe, there are inclusions that are visible even when the stone is mounted.
Treatments
As with other colored stones, emeralds undergo treatments like heat, oiling, or resin filling to enhance clarity and color, potentially affecting their hardness. While these methods can improve appearance by filling fractures, they might also introduce substances that reduce hardness. Consequently, treated emeralds may become more vulnerable to damage despite their enhanced visual appeal.
Related: Luxury & Rarity: The World’s Most Expensive Gemstones
Effects of Treatments on Emerald Hardness
Here are various treatments and their impact on the hardness of emeralds:
Fracture Filling
Fracture filling involves filling surface-reaching fractures in emeralds with oils, resins, or polymers to enhance appearance, potentially impacting hardness. While it can improve clarity and color temporarily, the substances used may not be as hard as the natural emerald, making it more prone to damage.
Over time, the oils or resin will change in color, causing the brownish appearance of emeralds. It’s not unusual for emeralds to go through multiple treatments to maintain color. Make sure you bring your emeralds to a reputable laboratory that offers this treatment.
Heat Treatment
Heating emeralds to enhance color or clarity can extend existing fractures, weaken the gem’s structure, and potentially reduce hardness. Though it may intensify the gem’s visual appeal, careful temperature control is essential to prevent damage.
Impact of Cleaning Methods
Due to their propensity for fracture filling, ultrasonic and steam cleaning methods can weaken emeralds or cause oils and resins to seep out, affecting hardness. To maintain integrity, it’s safer to clean emeralds with warm, soapy water and gentle scrubbing, minimizing the risk of damage during cleaning.
The Importance of Professional Appraisal
When learning more about emeralds, you should consider professional appraisal services. Here’s why it’s important:
Accurate Valuation
Professional appraisers assess your jewelry’s value precisely, which is crucial for insurance coverage and informed decision-making. Their expertise safeguards your investment and ensures fair transactions when buying or selling.
Authentication
Appraisers authenticate gemstones and jewelry, protecting you from purchasing counterfeit or misrepresented items. Their thorough examination offers assurance and peace of mind regarding the authenticity and quality of your jewelry.
Expert Advice
Appraisers offer valuable guidance on jewelry care, maintenance, and investment, helping you preserve its value over time. With their insights, you can make informed decisions and navigate the jewelry market confidently, ensuring your investments remain secure.
Discover the Beauty of Emeralds with Willyn Villarica Jewelry
Our exploration into emeralds uncovers their enduring beauty and resilience despite their vulnerability to damage. If you want to learn more about emeralds, trust us at Willyn Villarica Jewelry.
Ms. Willyn Villarica, our in-house expert, is the only National Association of Jewelry Appraisers member from the Philippines and a licensed Graduate Gemologist from the prestigious Gemological Institute of America. She uses specialized tools for gemstone identification, ensuring that you receive accurate assessments and valuable insights.
While we offer our services worldwide, please note that clients are responsible for covering all travel expenses.
Book an appointment with us now or email us at admin@willynvillaricajewelry.com. You can also send your inquiries through our Facebook page (Willyn Villarica Jewelry) or Instagram (@willynvillarica_jewelry).
Don’t miss out on this opportunity – trust Willyn Villarica Jewelry for all your gemstone needs today.
