EMRALD / PANNA

Emerald is the green variety of the mineral beryl . The formation of emerald involves a natural process known as exometamorphism. During this phenomenon if the basic rock contains the elements Chromium or Vanadium small quantity of it might get incorporated in the structure of beryl. This gives the rock its gem like green color. Varying amount of iron also alters the color of the rock. It has a hardness of 7.5-8 and a refractive index of 1.57-1.59.They range in color from slightly yellowish green to darker bluish green. The cut of the stone is also significant. Although faceted emerald can have round, pear, oval shapes the emerald cut, that is, octagonal shape is most preferred. Inclusions are almost an accepted fact in emeralds.


The planet Mercury is regarded as the prince among the assembly of nine planets. Mercury is the son of the moon by his wife Rohini. In human body Mercury represents wisdom and voice. Mercury is the ruler of two signs of the Zodiac - The Gemini and The Virgo. The gemstone related to the Mercury is Emerald. By wearing emerald gemstone, a man can pacify mental disturbance. Emerald gemstone should be worn especially by diplomats, scientists, astrologers, teachers, architects medical personalities, doctors, businessmen, property dealers, publishers, accountants, engineers, writers, post officers, insurance officers and intellectuals. Emerald gemstone increases reasoning power, presence of mind and spiritual power.


A rare, prized form of emerald, found only in the Muzo mining district of Colombia, is a very unusual form of this gem. This emerald, known as "Trapiche " emerald" is characterized by star-shaped rays that emanate from its center in a hexagonal pattern.


VARIETIES :

Colombian Emerald - Emerald from Colombia. This emerald is usually of exceptional quality.
Brazilian Emerald - Emerald from Brazil. The Brazilian emeralds are generally a lighter color than the Colombian emeralds. (The term Brazilian Emerald may also refer to green Tourmaline from Brazil.)
Zambian Emerald - Quality emerald from Zambia
Trapiche Emerald - Emerald with black impurities in the form of a six-rayed star
Star Emerald - Usually refers to trapiche emerald (above), but may also correctly refer to the rare occurrence of an emerald displaying asterism

Cat's Eye Emerald - Emerald exhibiting cat's eye effect. Cat's eye emerald is very rare, and only exists on paler emeralds.


FALSE NAMES :

Emeralds have been synthetically produced since 1848. However, only recently have synthetic emeralds been available of the market. The synthetic emeralds currently produced are so similar to true, natural emeralds that they are virtually indistinguishable by normal means. Here are some names for synthetic emerald to watch out for:
Biron Emerald
Chatham Emerald
Gilson Emerald
Kimberly Emerald
Lennix Emerald
Linde Emerald
Regency Emerald
Zerfass Emerald.


GENERAL PROPERTIES OF EMERALD :

Planet : Mercury
Cosmic Color : Green
Sign : Gemini, Virgo
Element : Earth
Time : Sunrise
Day : Wednesday

IDENTIFICATION :

• If a real emerald is placed in a glass pot with water it radiates green light, whereas the imitation does not.
• If a real emerald is placed on the eyes it gives a cool feeling, whereas an imitation becomes warm very quickly.
• A drop of water on a real gemstone retains its shape and does not spread around like water. Even moving and inverting the gemstone does not harm the drop, whereas in an imitation it does not remain a drop but spreads like water.

CARE & CLEANING :

Avoid sharp impacts on the stone and shapes with exposed points, like a marquise, should be protected. Clean with warm water, detergent, and a soft brush. Store separately from other jewelry and gemstones. Never put emerald in ultrasonic or steam cleaners.


RITUALS FOR WEARING EMERALD :

The weight of the gemstone should not be less than 2.5 Ratti (300 mg).
Emerald should be embedded in silver or mixed five metals or iron ring.
Emerald's ring should be washed with un boiled milk in the morning. After touching this ring to the feet of the desired God reciting the mantra wear on the smallest finger. Mantra: "Om Bum Budhayae Namah Om".
One should pray to Mercury for bestowing the best results and providing help in overcoming difficulties.
One should donate money to a Brahmin and green vegetables with leaves should be fed to a cow.
Day for wearing: Wednesday
Time for wearing: Sunrise