EMERALD (ZÜMRÜT)
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A symbol of wealth across numerous cultures throughout history, the emerald is a captivating gemstone renowned for its unique green hue, derived from chromium and vanadium. Beyond its signature bright green, it can also be found in yellowish-green or deep dark green tones.
Emeralds are rarely flawless; therefore, they are frequently treated with oil to fill fissures and cavities, concealing imperfections and enhancing the vibrancy of their color. To minimize material loss, they are typically shaped using a step-cut, famously known as the "emerald cut." Carving and engraving techniques are also employed to eliminate flaws and achieve the finest aesthetic result. While emeralds can now be produced in laboratory settings, the finest natural specimens are mined in Colombia. Other notable sources include Austria, India, Australia, Brazil, South Africa, Egypt, the USA, Norway, Pakistan, and Zimbabwe.
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RUBY (YAKUT)
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The ruby remains a preeminent favorite among gemstone connoisseurs. Technically known as "red corundum," it is distinguished from other colored corundums, which are classified as sapphires. Offering a breathtaking spectrum of red—ranging from pink to violet or brownish-red—its color is determined by the varying levels of chromium and iron within.
Despite appearing prone to fracture due to the dense striations of its crystal structure, the ruby is exceptionally durable, ranking as the hardest mineral after the diamond. Its crystal prisms are triangular or hexagonal, featuring either pointed or flat ends. As crystals grow, they form new layers where color variations, known as "zoning," occur based on geological conditions and available minerals. Rubies are found globally in volcanic and metamorphic rocks or as weathered pebbles in alluvial deposits. Gem merchants widely regard Thailand and Burma (Myanmar) as the sources of the highest quality natural rubies. While Burmese rubies, known for their brownish-red tint, have been celebrated since the late 1500s, vibrant bright red rubies are also sourced from Afghanistan, Vietnam, and Pakistan. Specimens from India, Russia, Australia, Norway, and North Carolina (USA) tend to be darker or even opaque.
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SAPPHIRE (SAFÄ°R)
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Any gem-quality corundum that is not red is classified as a sapphire; however, the name is most synonymous with the color blue. While its palette varies due to iron and titanium traces, the most prized sapphires are those with a clear, deep blue hue. Certain "color-change sapphires" exhibit different shades of blue under natural versus artificial light. Additionally, natural inclusions can create "star sapphires," which are typically fashioned into rounded "cabochon" cuts; these are highly valued and often preferred by men due to their bold, non-feminine aesthetic.
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The origin of a sapphire can often be distinguished by its color. Following the legendary Kashmir sapphires, the finest blues are found in Burma, Sri Lanka, and other regions of India within pegmatite structures and alluvial deposits. Sapphires from Thailand, Australia, and Nigeria often display a dark blue that appears almost black, earning them the name "midnight blue sapphires." Conversely, those mined in Montana (USA) are characterized by an attractive, metallic blue tone. Other significant sapphire-producing regions include Cambodia, Brazil, Kenya, Malawi, and Colombia.
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