Emeralds, prized for their vibrant green hue, are beautiful but also known for their delicate nature. They can be significantly damaged or "destroyed" by heat, light, and various chemicals, primarily because a vast majority of emeralds undergo treatments that make them more susceptible to these elements.
Understanding Emerald Vulnerabilities
While emeralds are relatively hard, ranking 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, their natural formation often results in numerous internal fissures or fractures. To improve their clarity and appearance, most emeralds are subjected to fracture-filling treatments using oils, resins, or polymers. This common practice, estimated to affect 90 percent or more of all emeralds, significantly impacts their durability and sensitivity to certain external factors.
Key Destructive Agents
Here are the primary factors that can compromise the integrity and appearance of an emerald:
- Heat: Exposure to high temperatures can cause substantial damage to an emerald. Heat can extend existing fractures, leading to increased visibility of flaws or even new breaks. Rapid temperature changes can also induce thermal shock, further jeopardizing the stone's structure.
- Light: Prolonged or intense exposure to light, especially strong ultraviolet (UV) light, can negatively affect treated emeralds. The oils, resins, and polymers used to fill surface-reaching fractures can alter in appearance or deteriorate over time, making the fractures more visible or changing the stone's overall luster.
- Chemicals: Harsh chemicals are particularly detrimental to fracture-filled emeralds. Substances like strong cleaning solutions, solvents, and even some cosmetics can cause the fracture-filling materials (oils, resins, polymers) to alter, discolor, dry out, or deteriorate. This deterioration can lead to a milky appearance, loss of clarity, or the re-opening of previously filled fractures.
How Fracture-Filling Impacts Durability
The prevalence of fracture-filling in emeralds is the key reason behind their unique care requirements. These treatments enhance the beauty of the stone by reducing the visibility of natural inclusions, but they also introduce components that are sensitive to environmental factors. When the filling material degrades, the emerald's original clarity and color become compromised, essentially "damaging" its aesthetic value and structural integrity.
To summarize the destructive agents and their effects:
| Destructive Agent | Primary Mechanism of Damage | Impact on Fracture-Filled Emeralds |
|---|---|---|
| Heat | Causes existing fractures to extend; thermal shock | High vulnerability due to inherent fractures |
| Light | Causes filler materials (oils, resins, polymers) to alter/deteriorate | Directly affects the appearance and stability of treated areas |
| Chemicals | Degrades filler materials (oils, resins, polymers), causing discoloration or loss of clarity | Directly affects the appearance and stability of treated areas |
Protecting Your Emeralds
Given their sensitivity, proper care is crucial for preserving the beauty and longevity of emeralds. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) provides comprehensive guidance on gemstone care, emphasizing the unique needs of emeralds.
Here are practical steps to protect your emerald:
- Avoid High Heat: Keep emeralds away from extreme temperatures, including hot water, open flames, and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. Do not use steam cleaners or ultrasonic cleaners, as these can heat the stone or remove filling treatments.
- Limit Chemical Exposure: Remove emerald jewelry before applying lotions, perfumes, hairsprays, or using household cleaning products. Always keep them away from harsh acids, alcohols, and other solvents.
- Gentle Cleaning: For cleaning, use only mild soap and lukewarm water. Gently scrub with a soft brush or cloth, then rinse thoroughly and pat dry. This method helps preserve the integrity of any fracture fillings.
- Safe Storage: Store emeralds separately from other jewelry to prevent scratches, as harder gems can scratch their surface, and vice-versa. A soft pouch or a fabric-lined jewelry box is ideal.
By understanding what can harm emeralds and following these care guidelines, you can ensure your beautiful gemstone remains vibrant for generations.
