Precious stones: emerald

For many centuries people paid special attention to minerals. And not in vain, because to cheer up, to strengthen health, to protect oneself from evil forces - all these could be done by correctly selected stones. Emerald is one of the varieties of beryl, it is a very valuable gem, some of which are more valuable than topaz, diamond and diamonds. In the old days in Russia it was called an emerald, a similar name was also found among the Greeks - "smaragdos", but the modern name, most likely, is of Middle Eastern origin. The Turks called the mineral "zymrude", and the Arabs and Persians - "zumurrud."

It is very difficult to find absolutely perfect, without obvious defects stones. Emerald in most cases has minor impurities of pyrite, chromite, calcite or molybdenite, the cracks also reduce its value. Ideal gems usually do not exceed 5 carats.

If you believe the ancient Egyptian papyri, then for 6 thousand years humanity knows this stone, and perhaps it was used before. Each people has different ways of relating to the mineral, but positive qualities are attributed to it everywhere .

The jewel of the emerald is mentioned in the Holy Scriptures, and it is also one of the 12 gems that were found in the Rize of Aaron the High Priest. The mineral was worshiped both in Babylon and in ancient Egypt. Tsarina Cleopatra had her own mines in the territory of the modern Eastern Desert, in which the slaves extracted jewels. Beauty had the habit of gifting the faithful nobles with gems engraved on them with her own image.

There is also a legend according to which these precious stones were used to make the holy cup of the Holy Grail. Emerald allegedly was on the crown of Lucifer, when he was expelled from heaven, the fallen angel fell and the ornament split. A splinter of mineral came to the Queen of Sheba, and she, in turn, gave it to Solomon. After a while, a cup was made from the emerald, from which Jesus Christ drank, and then his blood was collected into it. This mythical jewel was searched for by the knights of King Arthur, the Crusaders and representatives of the Third Reich.

Always with wisdom, happiness, luck, fidelity and purity these stones were associated. Emerald was especially revered in the East, its green color compared with life, because all the flags of Muslim countries have this shade. Turks, Arabs, Persians piously believe that the mineral brings its master courage, faith and the ability to foresee. The Slavic peoples identify the emerald with wisdom, hope and coolness. As an amulet against demons and evil forces, an emerald framed in gold is used.

Stone, photos of jewelry with which cause admiration, a mineral worthy of the royal crown - it was often worn by monarchs. It is believed that the emerald attracts its owner joy and fun, so he patronizes people in creative professions, calling the muse. Decorations with him can often be seen on artists, musicians, writers. According to some sources, Byron, Petrarch and Dante wore this beautiful gem.