Emerald


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Emerald derives it's name from the Greek Smaragdos, which, in turn, probably came from Persia. It means "green stone" and, in ancient time, referred not only to emeralds, but also to most green stones. Emerald, along with aquamarine and beryl, belong to the Beryl group, being the most precious of the group. Its green is incomparable, and it's therefore called "emerald green" (not only in mineralogy). The pigment comes from chrome and sometimes vanadium. The color is very resistant to light and heat, and only alters at 1292-1472F/700-800C.