Emerald is found predominately in India. It is a very delicate gemstone. It is unearthed from coalmines. Black spots and fibrils are often seen in it, because of high presence of carbon in it. It is indeed distinguished by its black spots. In authentic emeralds, cracks are often found, but it does not hinder its utility. Emerald is the birthstone of Taurus, Cancer and some times Gemini. Emerald is the anniversary gemstone for the 20th, 35th and 55th year of marriage.

The name of this stone has came from the Greek `smaragdos` via the Old French `esmeralde`, and really just means "green gemstone". Emeralds are usually cut in a variety of different shapes, ranging from the traditional rectangular step-cut, known as the `emerald cut, ` to rounds, ovals, squares and cabochons. As because of emeralds are highly priced, different attempts were made from past to manufacture it synthetically. Emeralds have been synthetically produced since 1848. The synthetic emeralds currently produced are so similar to true, natural emeralds that they are virtually indistinguishable by normal means. Some of the names of synthetic emeralds are...Biron Emerald, Chatham Emerald, Zerfass Emerald, Lennix Emerald, Gilson Emerald, Regency Emerald, Kimberly Emerald, and Linde Emerald.

Glass dyed green is also a major emerald simulator. The colour of green glass and emerald may be identical, but other physical and optical properties can easily differentiate the two. Some deceitful names given to green glass used as jewellery are as follows.

Some of the other false emeralds and their popular names are given below.

African Emerald i.e. green fluorite, Emeraldine i.e. chalcedony dyed green, Lithia Emerald i.e. hiddenite, Oriental Emerald i.e. green sapphire, Indian Emerald i.e. quartz or chalcedony dyed green, Night Emerald i.e. peridot, Congo Emerald i.e. dioptase, Bohemian Emerald i.e. green fluorite, Mascot Emerald i.e. emerald doublet, Tecla Emerald i.e. emerald doublet, Traansvaal Emerald i.e. green fluorite, Cape Emerald i.e. prehnite, Emeraldite i.e. green tourmaline, South African Emerald i.e. green fluorite, Evening Emerald i.e. peridot, and Uralian Emerald i.e. demantoid garnet.

Broghton Emerald, Medina Emerald, Mount St. Helens Emerald, Ferrer`s Emerald, Endura Emerald, and Spanish Emerald. The Mercury planet is regarded the prince among the congregation of nine planets. Mercury (Mercury Planet) is the son of moon by his wife Rohini. The gemstone pertaining to Mercury planet is Emerald. It is a mineral - a compound of silicate of aluminium, beryllium and oxygen. Its colour is light to dark green. This gemstone is exceedingly uncommon, because it is very difficult to find an unflawed emerald.

Emeralds occur in a variety of green colours. The magnificent green colour that gives extraordinary value to this gem is due to small amounts of chromium and vanadium. Some emeralds have yellowish to bluish overtones. The stone loses colour when strongly heated.

Healing ability of Emerald
Emerald is extensively used for physical and emotional healing. Emerald has refreshing soft green colour, which has amazing healing powers for eyes, and it is a good talisman for any eye trouble. According to legends, emeralds strengthen the owner`s memory, quicken the intelligence and assist in predicting the future.

How to wear Emerald
The weight of emerald should be a minimum of 2.5 ratti i.e. 300 mg for a ring or pendant. The more the weight, the more will be its effectiveness. Emerald should be embedded in the five metal or silver rings. The ring should be washed with milk before 11 a.m. After consecrating the ring by touching the feet of the desired Almighty and chanting `Om Bum Budhaye Namah Om`, it should be worn on the smallest finger. One should donate money to a Brahmin and green vegetables with leaves should be fed to a cow.

Emerald is effective for 3 years since the time of wearing. Persons under the Gemini sign of zodiac, whose names start with ka, ki, ku, gha, anga, cha, ke, ko, kay and people under the Virgo sign of zodiac, with names starting with to, pa, pee, pu, ana, tha, pay, po, should wear the ring embedded with emerald. It can be noted that if emerald is out of reach, it can be substituted with stones like margaz, peridot, green tourmaline, onyx.

Emerald should be cleaned with a soft, dry cloth. Oil is used during the stone treatment. Emerald should never be cleaned with an ultrasonic cleaner because this oil could be removed or damaged. In addition, emerald should not be cleaned in hot soapy water since it too can remove this oil. Sudden temperature changes should be avoided as emeralds lose their colour when strongly heated.

Emeralds have long been cherished for their brilliant green beauty. These are highly valued and desired, the brilliant green colour of emerald has never ceased to dazzle. For centuries, only those of great wealth could venture upon so priceless gift. This is the symbol of faith, kindness and purity.