Hobbies And Interests
Background
The ancient Aztec and Inca tribes of South America considered the emerald to be a holy gemstone. The best stones are still found in the areas in which these tribes lived.
Qualities
What makes Colombian emerald different from others is the quality of their color: a shining green without any bluish tint. The coloring is regarded highly enough that even obvious flaws (inclusions) are considered acceptable.
Composition
Emeralds are members of the beryl family. Their coloring comes from traces of chromium and vanadium deposits in the mineral; pure beryl is colorless.
Related stones
Other members of the beryl family include the gemstones morganite, heliodor and the aquamarine. The only difference between these stones and the emerald is the trace elements giving them their color.
Size
Sizes of emeralds vary from very small to the 1,796 carat stone held at the Bank of Bogata. However, finding a large, clear, gem-quality stone is rare.