Levi KeswickKey Takeaways:
- Green and yellow crystals, such as emeralds, peridots, green sapphires, jade, and green diamonds, each possess their unique allure, formation process, and symbolism.
- The color depth is a significant factor in determining the value of these stones.
- These gemstones have been historically linked to prosperity, tranquility, love, and renewal.
- There is an emerging trend of creating colored gemstones in laboratories, allowing for more affordable alternatives without compromising their aesthetic beauty.
- Each of these gemstones is associated with specific occasions, serving as meaningful gifts for birthdays or anniversaries.
- These gemstones serve not only as stunning adornments but also as fascinating symbols of nature’s beauty, resilience, and diversity.
Green and Yellow Crystals: Symbolizing the Essence of Life
As verdant hues spread their calm tranquillity across the natural world, they are also captured in the mesmerizing beauty of green and yellow crystals. This range of crystals symbolizes rejuvenation, prosperity, and the enduring rhythms of life, evoking a sense of serenity akin to standing amidst the serenity of an untouched forest. There’s an uncanny allure to these gemstones, partially due to their visual allure and partially due to their symbolic richness and history.
It’s widely accepted that green and yellow crystals owe their enchanting hues to the presence of elements like chromium, vanadium, or iron during formation. Each crystal is unique, offering diverse shades, properties, and prices. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of these gemstones.
The Timeless Emerald: A Crystal of Depth and Elegance
Emeralds, the crown jewel among green gemstones, have been a symbol of prestige for centuries. From the elegant necklaces of Queen Cleopatra to the Egyptian burial rituals that saw mummies entombed with emeralds, this stone’s influence is profound.
As a member of the beryl family, emeralds have a distinct allure. Their value is primarily determined by the depth of their color, with the most intense and vivid stones being the most prized. However, inclusions resembling moss-like threads, known as ‘jardin’ (the French word for garden), are often found in emeralds. These inclusions can make the stone susceptible to fractures, but they are also seen as a signature characteristic of natural emeralds.
Emerald Symbolism & Uses
Historically linked to Venus, the goddess of love, emeralds were thought by Ancient Romans and Greeks to protect lovers from unfaithfulness. Today, this symbolism has evolved into the emerald representing eternal love. As for healing properties, emeralds are believed to have a positive effect on emotional love and the physical heart.
Key Occasions:
- Birthstone for May
- 55th wedding anniversary gemstone
Peridot: A Gemstone Born of Fire and Space
Peridots, often found soaring through the air in volcanic eruptions or discovered in meteorites, have an origin story as unique as their bright green-yellow hue. Ranging from pure green to yellowish-green, these gemstones hold a particular allure for their out-of-this-world formation process. Interestingly, the largest peridot ever discovered, weighing a whopping 311.78 carats, now resides in the Smithsonian Museum in the United States.
Peridot Symbolism & Uses
Ancient Egyptians referred to peridots as ‘the gem of the sun’ and attributed mystical healing powers to them. They are believed to bring good health, peaceful sleep, and tranquility, and are associated with compassion and openness to new relationships.
Key Occasions:
- Birthstone for August
- 16th wedding anniversary gemstone
Green Sapphire: A Heart Stone of Prosperity and Nature
Green sapphires, though not as well-known as their blue counterparts, are rich in color and durability. They present a varied color spectrum, from mint green to olive green and yellow green. These gemstones, like emeralds, gain value based on the intensity of their green hue.
Green Sapphire Symbolism & Uses
Believed to correspond to the heart chakra, green sapphires are thought to influence prosperity and nature. They are often used as symbols of good luck and abundance. Some cultures also believe that these stones can heal a broken heart or even lead one to true love.
Key Occasions:
- Modern birthstone for September
- 45th wedding anniversary gemstone
Jade: The Stone of Tranquillity and Purity
Jade, a gemstone held in high esteem in various parts of Asia, has a history of use dating back as far as 7000 years. It exists in two main varieties: the more valuable jadeite, and nephrite, which is abundant and often used in larger carvings.
Jade Symbolism & Uses
As a symbol of purity and tranquillity, jade is considered a protective stone that brings luck, peace, and harmony. Interestingly, when struck, jade rings much like a bell, adding to its mystique.
Key Occasions:
- Birthstone for August
- 19th wedding anniversary gemstone
Green Diamond: The Rare Symbol of Abundance and Success
As rare as they are precious, green diamonds owe their unique color to the presence of hydrogen, nitrogen, and nickel within their structure. The rarity of these natural green diamonds has led jewelers to use irradiation treatments to create similar hues in a laboratory, leading to more affordable yet equally beautiful options.
Green Diamond Symbolism & Uses
Green diamonds symbolize abundance, prosperity, and success. They are often associated with new beginnings, making them a wonderful choice for those seeking a gemstone connected to nature.
Key Occasions:
- 60th wedding anniversary gemstone
- Birthstone for April
