1. Understanding What a Real Emerald Is

Emeralds are a variety of the mineral beryl, colored green by trace amounts of chromium and/or vanadium. True emeralds are:

• Natural: Formed deep within the Earth over millions of years.
• Rare: Especially high-quality stones with vivid green color and good clarity.
• Treated (often): Most emeralds are oiled with cedarwood oil to enhance clarity—a widely accepted and traditional practice.

2. Visual Characteristics of Genuine Emeralds

Color

• Hue: Rich green to bluish-green.
• Tone: Neither too dark nor too light.
• Saturation: Vivid, intense color is most valuable.

Clarity

Natural emeralds almost always have inclusions, known as “jardin” (French for garden). These may look like tiny fractures, mossy threads, or bubbles. A perfectly clear emerald is likely synthetic or a simulant.

Cut

Emeralds are commonly cut into emerald, oval, pear, or Asscher shapes. Facets may be slightly soft due to the stone’s brittleness.

3. Common Emerald Imitations and Synthetics

Green Glass

• Lacks natural inclusions
• Softer than emerald (can scratch easily)
• Often contains bubbles visible under magnification

Synthetic Emeralds

Lab-grown but chemically identical to natural emeralds. May have no inclusions or show synthetic growth patterns. Often labeled as “hydrothermal” or “flux-grown.”

Doublets and Triplets

Constructed gemstones that fuse a thin emerald layer with glass or other materials. Easy to spot under magnification or good lighting.

4. Testing Methods to Identify Emeralds

• Loupe or Microscope Inspection: Look for inclusions or bubbles.
• UV Light Test: Natural emeralds typically do not fluoresce.
• Refractive Index: 1.577 to 1.583 (use a gemological refractometer).
• Specific Gravity: 2.67–2.78.
• Professional Lab Testing: GIA, CDTEC, Gübelin, GRS and others offer certified reports.

5. Certifications and Why They Matter

Always request a certified gemological report. Trusted labs confirm:

• Natural vs synthetic
• Treatments applied
• Geographic origin (e.g., Colombia, Zambia)

Certification protects your investment and adds value to your emerald.

6. Tips for Buyers

• Buy from trusted sellers: Look for transparency, return policies, and verified listings.
• Ask about treatments and origin.
• Use escrow services: Escrow.com provides buyer protection for high-value gemstones.