Properties of Emeralds

There are several factors that need to be considered when putting a value to an emerald. A high-priced emerald should be colour green and has an 8 Mohs scale of hardness. Unlike other gems, colour is an important characteristic of an emerald. The depth and saturation of colour of the emerald adds on to its value. An emerald should have a rich green-yellowish or green-bluish hue with high saturation. The clarity of the emerald is also taken into consideration.

Used as ornaments, accessory or as gifts, emeralds are regarded as one of the most precious stones. In other cultures, the value of the emerald is measured entirely different. Some cultures believed that wearing an emerald provides confidence and increases the mental capacity of a person. It is also believed to cast away evil spirits or cure some disease.