EOSC 118 Lecture Notes - Lecture 13: Colombian Emeralds, Beryllium, Calcite
4 Dec 2017
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Beryl = colourful, hard, often transparent, acid-resistant + can form large crystals. Requires beryllium = only found in specific geological environments. Emerald + aquamarine = varieties of beryl. Dates back to 1500 bc egypt, coveted in ancient greece (mentioned in. Naturalis historia + ancient india, used for bible carvings. Used extensively by ancient aztecs in jewellry. However, in the past, other green stones were also called emerald. Today, colombia (in south america) produces best emeralds, specifically. Colombian mines = first discovered 5 centuries ago. Debate ongoing that only beryl w/ significant [cr] and [v], but not [fe], should be called emerald. Aquamarine = blue beryl, sometimes w/ green tone. Referenced by ancient egypt + greece, but not much. Thought to be due to the rareness of aquamarine in history, and hence less mentions. Gota de aceite = drop of oil = in which emeralds have roiled appearance like oil. Associated with colombian emeralds of highest quality.
