Interesting Facts About Emeralds, Rubies & Sapphires

If Cleopatra were alive today, she would be amazed by how beautiful and green emeralds can be. Her emeralds were not as bright as the ones we see today. They were often dull and had many flaws. The first emerald mines were in Egypt, operating from around 330 BC to the 1700s, and some say even earlier. Egypt was the main source of emeralds until the Spanish discovered large amounts of emeralds in South America in the 1500s. These Colombian emeralds were bigger, clearer, and greener than the Egyptian ones.

People in different cultures have valued emeralds for centuries. Muslims, for example, treasure the color green, which is important in their religion. Even in ancient Rome, people admired the intense green of emeralds. They believed that looking at emeralds could refresh and relax the eyes.

Emeralds were also thought to have healing powers. People believed that wearing them could cure diseases and bring good luck. That's why emerald is the birthstone for May, symbolizing the beauty of spring.

Did you know that emeralds and aquamarines are the same mineral? They both come from a mineral called beryl. Before the 18th century, people didn't know this. Emeralds are green, while aquamarines are blue.

Now let's talk about rubies and sapphires. They are actually from the same family, called corundum. Rubies are red, while sapphires can be any other color. They come in a wide range of colors, from blue to pink to yellow.

For centuries, rubies and sapphires have been considered royal gems. They were worn by kings and queens for good luck. Even today, they are often used in engagement rings for their beauty and symbolism.

People in different cultures believed that wearing rubies and sapphires could bring them wisdom and virtue. Buddhists thought sapphires symbolized friendship and loyalty, while Hindus associated rubies with the sun and sapphires with the planet Saturn.

Rubies are especially prized for their intense red color and their ability to glow in the sunlight. They may be smaller than other gemstones, but their rarity makes them valuable. In fact, some rubies have sold for millions of dollars.

Sapphires, on the other hand, are known for their rich colors and versatility. They can be cut into simple shapes and still look stunning. Some sapphires even change color in different lighting.

Both rubies and sapphires have been used in many ways throughout history. They have been carved into sculptures and used in religious ceremonies. They are also used in modern technology, like lasers and watches.

So, whether you're drawn to the vibrant green of emeralds, the fiery red of rubies, or the deep blue of sapphires, these gemstones have a long and fascinating history that continues to captivate people around the world.