The popular green gemstone known as the emerald is found in the family of beryl gems, which includes the likes of aquamarine, morganite, and heliodor. All of the above gems possess the same chemical components except for emerald, which has chromic oxide , the feature that gives the emerald its shade of green color that sets it aside from other members of the beryl collection. In this article, you will learn how emeralds fit into Indian beliefs of healing and rituals.
How to Find a Good Emerald
Emeralds have a connection to the planet Mercury in Vedic astrology circles. Finding a flawless emerald is nearly impossible, making the gemstone rare and sought after. While you probably won’t come across a specimen without any flaws, there are ways to distinguish an emerald of good quality. For starters, look for an emerald that has a deep green consistent color that is rich and pleasing to the eye. Some say it should resemble a fresh blade of grass.
A good emerald retains its color and luster no matter what kind of lighting or shadow it comes in contact with. A good emerald is compact, which contributes to its high specific gravity. Its transparence makes an emerald more rare and more expensive than diamonds.
Emeralds plagued by flaws are brittle, dull, uneven in color, grainy, has a hole, and/or does not possess an “inner glow.” If an emerald has black or yellow spots, it is also flawed and should be tossed to the side if you’re interested in tapping into the energy of the gemstone. Real emeralds are sizable yet rare. An impossible find is to come across an emerald that is “eyeglass-clear.” Because of this rarity, it is thought that this kind of emerald has the power to neutralize poison.
Testing Your Emerald
It is said that a real emerald will radiate green light if it is placed in a glass pot with water. If the gem is a fake, you will not see the colored light. Real emeralds will cause a cooling sensation on the eyes when placed on top, while a fake emerald warms rather quickly when put on the eyes. If a drop of water falls on an authentic gemstone, it keeps its shape, while a drop that is places onto an imitation emerald will spread like water.
Emerald Rituals
In Ayurveda circles, it is said that an emerald should be purchased on a Wednesday when the Sun is in the northern quarter in an ascending cycle. The gemstone should weigh no less than three rattikas. In the morning, the gem should be set in gold and before it is worn, the ring should be placed in raw cow’s milk for a bit of time.
Healing with Emeralds
Since emeralds are associated with the planet Mercury, it is believed that the gemstones have the power to cure any issues associated with it. Some will use the gemstone to also ward off any evil spirits. It is believed that emerald oxide increases radiance and can cure fever, coma, vomiting, thirst, asthma, constipation, hemorrhoids, and swollen internal organs. Medical problems associated with any kind of poisoning, an emerald is thought to aid in healing. Since the oxide is cold in nature, people with a hot temperament may benefit from its use.
The oxide in emeralds is believed to increase memory, promote a long life, and can effectively treat a snakebite. When the heart and stomach is weak, an emerald is thought to influence the road to recovery.
There are methods of healing that involve emerald paste, which is mixed with honey when administered to the sick. The ailments that the paste is most helpful include colic pains, kidney stones, fever, vomiting, poisoning, indigestion, and heart issues.
The Best Emeralds in the World
When looking for the best quality emeralds in the world, seek out gemstones that come from India, Pakistan, Colombia, and Africa.