When it comes to gemstones and exotic minerals, there are plenty to choose from.
The world provides us with lots of different varieties, each with their own beauty and characteristics. To name just a few, there is sapphire, jade, opal, and topaz.
Another popular type of gemstone is the emerald, which is what we’ll be talking about.
However, you can get your gemstones in either raw or faceted condition, and emerald is no different.
But how can you actually tell between them and identify when an emerald is raw?
Well, we’ve got the answers for you. In our handy guide below, we’re going to tell you all about how you can identify a raw emerald.
On top of that, we’ll look at just what “raw” and “faceted” both mean and why they are so different.
What Is A Raw Emerald?
When a gemstone is referred to as being “raw”, you might wonder what that means.
To put it simply, it is a gemstone that hasn’t been cut and faceted (more on that next) like the ones that are used to make pieces of jewelry.
You will sometimes hear these being called “uncut gems”. In a nutshell, a raw emerald is an emerald in its natural, original state.
It may have been cleaned of the earth and deposits that clung to its surface when first discovered, but besides that, it’s exactly the way it was in the ground.
What Is A Faceted Emerald?
Now that we’ve established what a raw emerald is, it begs the question of what a “faceted” one is – quite the opposite!
When a gemstone is faceted, it means that it has been cut in a certain way.
Specifically, the top of it is flat, it has polished faces (facets) across it, and the bottom of the gemstone is pointed.
This is the typical “diamond shape” we see in our mind when thinking of precious gems.
The process of faceting an emerald prepares it both cosmetically and practically for ornamental use in expensive jewelry, fashion, and decor.
How To Identify Raw Emeralds?
Now that we’ve laid out the basics of the difference between raw, uncut gems and faceted, cut gems, we can look at how you identify the former – or more accurately, identify the former when it comes to emeralds.
Thankfully, identifying uncut emeralds is a lot easier than it is to identify faceted emeralds. This is for a handful of different reasons.
Is It Difficult To Identify Raw Emeralds?
Firstly, an emerald will normally grow in the shape of a hexagonal prism. The idea of an ideal shape for a gemstone to grow in is known as its “habit”.
Therefore, if you’re looking at an emerald that is in this hexagonal prism shape, along with showing no signs of being polished to look this way, then you’re likely looking at a raw and natural emerald – especially if the surrounding rocks that it has formed in are shaped in a similar way.
However, emeralds will not always grow in this ideal hexagonal prism shape, and that means that it isn’t going to be completely easy to identify whether your emerald is raw or faceted.
This is understandable.
It is already a miracle that creations as beautiful as gemstones are formed by nature, considering how random all the environments and conditions are.
How Can I Test Whether My Emerald Is Raw?
To identify whether your emerald is raw is a process that can be carried out with a few simple tests.
If you’re inexperienced or not a professional, it may be a good idea to get a professional to do this testing.
The Streak Test
The streak test is done by grading the emerald across an unglazed porcelain plate. The color that is left behind will tell you what the emerald’s real color is.
This test is never performed on faceted gems, because it scratches and removes their polish. The streak won’t be green.
Instead, it should be colorless, because the elements that color it are only small parts of it. However, there are some problems
For one, the porcelain only scratches emeralds that have a Mohs scale hardness of 6 or less.
Therefore, for harder emeralds, you can pulverize a portion of it to streak instead.
I know using the word “pulverize” in relation to any precious gem is alarming, but if you want a conclusive answer, this is the way you get it; well… this and the following test.
The Inclusions Test
Another test is to check for inclusions. These are features and materials trapped inside the gem that you can sometimes make out from the surface.
While they aren’t enough on their own to tell whether the emerald is raw, they can be a good signifier when combined with the overall shape of the gemstone and the previous test.
Crystal inclusions and three phase inclusions are often signs that the emerald is raw, and you’re not dealing with a fugazi.
However, the test isn’t perfect. This is because it can often be difficult to see inside the emerald due to cloudy surfaces.
You can increase your chances of catching a good glimpse inside your potential raw diamond by using a “jewelers eye”, but even then, the tell-tale inclusions may be too obscured by clouding.
Final Thoughts
My advice is to use all of the identifying methods presented to you here today to ascertain whether you’ve got a genuine raw emerald on your hands.
Individually, these tests are rarely conclusive, but if they all point in one direction, there’s an overwhelmingly likely chance that you have an emerald in your possession, and it is indeed a raw specimen.
Alternatively, if pulverizing part of your mysterious emerald-like formation or dragging it across a porcelain plate gives you the willies, why not make things easy on yourself and take it to a professional.
Most jewelers will confirm authenticity and raw status free of charge, and they’ll almost definitely be able to tell you right then and there.