It’s an untold universal fact that emerald gemstones redefine green color like no one else. Belonging to the coveted Beryl mineral family, natural emeralds are widely acknowledged for displaying lush green to pale green hues and delivering innumerable astrological benefits to wearers. All thanks to the favorable geographical conditions, emerald stones are easily available in different corners of the world, however, panna gems from only selective locations like Zambia, Colombia, & Afghanistan are considered immensely valuable and worth embracing.
Not all natural emeralds come with striking luster, lush green hues, and minimal inclusions. The truth is, that most real panna stones are dull in color and luster. They are meticulously polished and treated by professional lapidaries. While natural emeralds are exceptionally rare, most panna stones found in the market today have been treated in some way, with oiling being the most common method. This treatment is typically used to address inclusions and fractures that, although often invisible to the naked eye, can diminish the gem’s clarity and brilliance. By treating these stones, their visual appeal is significantly enhanced. In this article, we’ll explore the common practices used to treat emeralds, delving into how these methods improve their appearance and the essential differences between natural and treated emeralds.
In this all-inclusive video, we bring you a perfect & handy guide on natural green emerald treatments & enhancements that will amplify your knowledge on treatments of emeralds and how their value is enhanced.
Read Worthy: – Emerald vs Chrome Diopside
Most Used Emerald Treatment Methods
Oil Treatment
Oiling is one of the most common practices in the emerald industry to enhance the stone’s clarity and overall appearance. This process involves immersing the emerald in a specialized oil that fills in the natural fissures and fractures within the gem. The chosen oil typically has a refractive index similar to that of the emerald, making these imperfections less noticeable and improving the stone’s transparency.
Various types of oils are used for this purpose, including cedarwood oil, colorless oil, and synthetic oils. Each oil has its own unique properties and can affect the emerald’s appearance in different ways. For example, cedarwood oil is often used to enhance the emerald’s color intensity and clarity, while colorless oils can help preserve the stone’s natural color without altering its appearance. Synthetic oils may offer long-term stability but may not be as effective in enhancing the emerald’s clarity.
While oil treatments can significantly improve the visual appeal of natural pachu stone and are generally considered safe, it’s important to note that the oil may evaporate over time. This can lead to a decrease in clarity and may require periodic re-oiling. Therefore, when purchasing an oiled emerald, it’s advisable to inquire about the oil used, the frequency of re-oiling, and any potential risks associated with the treatment.
Optical Filler Treatment
Emerald enhancement has seen significant advancements in recent decades, with Opticon emerging as a notable treatment method. This plastic polymer epoxy resin, introduced in the 1980s for Brazilian emeralds, offers a novel approach to addressing common issues in both rough and cut stones.
The Opticon treatment process involves carefully injecting the emerald with the resin under vacuum conditions. This technique aims to achieve multiple objectives:
Filling fissures
Enhancing the stone’s green color
Improving overall durability
Don’t Miss: – Types of Emeralds
While Opticon treatment has shown promising results in these areas, it’s essential to consider its limitations:
Potential yellowing: Over time, treated emeralds may develop a yellowish tint.
Degradation: The treatment can break down with age and exposure to certain solvents.
Expansion: There’s a risk of the treatment expanding over time, which could exacerbate existing fissures.
These factors raise concerns about the long-term stability and value retention of Opticon-treated emeralds, especially when compared to alternative enhancement methods.
For consumers, understanding the nuances of emerald treatments is crucial. While Opticon offers immediate benefits in terms of appearance and durability, its potential drawbacks should be carefully weighed against other options. Buyers should consider their personal preferences, intended use, and willingness to manage potential long-term maintenance when selecting emerald jewelry.
Clarity Enhancement
In addition to oil and resin treatments, the emerald industry employs other clarity enhancement techniques. One such method is laser drilling, where minute channels are created within the emerald to access internal inclusions. These inclusions are then either bleached or filled with materials like lead glass or plastic to enhance the gem’s visual appeal. Another common technique is fracture filling, which involves injecting substances into larger fractures to improve the stone’s clarity. While these treatments can significantly enhance the real panna stone appearance, they can also impact the gem’s intrinsic value, durability, and overall structural integrity.
Also Read: – On Which Finger Emerald Should Be Worn?
Resins Treatment
Resin filling and oil filling are two common treatments used to enhance the clarity of emeralds. While both methods offer advantages, they also have distinct drawbacks.
Resin Filling:
Pros: Significantly improves clarity, making fractures nearly invisible.
Cons: Resin can degrade over time, affecting the stone’s appearance. The resin may also turn yellow, potentially altering the emerald’s natural color.
Oil Filling:
Pros: Improves clarity without the risk of degradation associated with resin filling.
Cons: While generally preferred over resin filling, oil treatments may not provide the same level of clarity enhancement as resin filling.
When considering an emerald, it’s essential to be aware of any treatments it has undergone. While resin filling can offer a visually striking stone, the potential for long-term degradation and color changes should be taken into account. Oil filling, on the other hand, provides a more reliable and stable enhancement option.
Check Out:- Top Sources of Emerald Stone?
