Concept in Definition ABC

The term comes from the Latin smaragdus and it is a mineral of a bright and transparent green color. It is considered one of the most valued gemstones in the world of jewelry (the intensity of its color is directly related to its price). Its high market value makes the emerald popularly considered "green gold". In some countries, its exploitation is associated with all kinds of social conflicts and interests and for this reason there is talk of a "green war", as it happens in some territories of Colombia.

This mineral is made of aluminum and beryllium silicate, has a hardness of 7.5 out of 10 according to the Mohs scale and its crystallization is hexagonal

Its characteristic color is produced by two substances, chromium and vanadium. The professionals who are dedicated to this gem have created a special cut, the emerald cut.

World production and mining

Colombia has 90% of its production world and the remaining 10% corresponds to Russia, South Africa and Rhodesia. The most famous mines are normally found in the mountains and their exploitation is carried out in an open pit or by a system of steps that follows the vein of the emerald. Finding emeralds is hard work, as they are mined in high-temperature enclaves and underground.

For your extraction Several methods are used: manually using picks and shovels, using machinery or using explosive charges to produce cracks in the rocks.

As for the working conditions of the miners, they are generally very precarious. In this sense, thousands of kids are involved in this activity and this circumstance generates illiteracy, exploitation and an obvious breach of the human rights.

Its historical and symbolic dimension

In ancient Egypt, this mineral was already valued for its unique beauty and as a symbol that represented eternity. In this sense, it is believed that Cleopatra had a great fondness for this gemstone. The Inca peoples considered it a sacred stone and with the arrival of the Spanish to the territory of present-day Colombia, the emerald became a highly valued stone for its commercialization in European markets.

From a point of view symbolic, this mineral is related to good luck and in some cultures it has been considered that the bearer of an emerald is immunized against epilepsy.

Those who believe in the connection between minerals and the human spirit argue that emeralds are effective in fighting anxiety, reducing fears, and improving overall health.

Photos: Fotolia - ryzhi / deanz