Emerald Bibliography

First Published: 28 September 2026

Emerald Bibliography

Explore books, articles and historical sources on emerald in Four Treasures, the Lotus Gemology reference database. This bibliography brings together matching records from the collection, with publication details, abstracts and cover images where available.

Emerald References

The list below matches the terms emerald or emeralds in the database's searchable fields. Some references discuss emeralds as part of a broader subject.

801–820 of 844 matching references

Emissionsspektralanalyse von natürlichen und synthetischen rubinen, sapphiren, smaragden und alexandriten

Emissionsspektralanalyse von natürlichen und synthetischen rubinen, sapphiren, smaragden und alexandriten

Emission spectral analysis of natural and synthetic rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and alexandrites

Kuhlmann, H. (1983)

Journal Article · Source: Zeitschrift der Deutschen Gemmologischen Gesellschaft · Volume: Vol. 32 · Issue: No. 4 · Pages: pp. 179–195 · Language: In German

Abstract
Kuhlmann applies emission spectrographic analysis to 207 natural and 61 synthetic rubies, sapphires, emeralds and alexandrites, examining eleven trace elements: Be, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Si, Sn, Ti and V. The analyses reveal characteristic trace-element patterns that can help distinguish natural gemstones of different geographic origins from synthetic products. Natural rubies from Kenya, Tanzania, Afghanistan, India, Burma and Greenland contain varying combinations of Cr, Si, Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Sn and Cu, whereas Chatham and Verneuil synthetic rubies show molybdenum, and Kashan and Knischka synthetics contain comparatively more copper. Natural sapphires from several localities likewise show trace-element assemblages differing from Verneuil and Chatham synthetics. Corresponding comparisons are made for natural and synthetic emerald and alexandrite. Kuhlmann concludes that emission spectrography provides a useful supplementary method for determining natural versus synthetic origin and, in some cases, characterizing geographic provenance. The paper contains eight figures and one table.
Keywords
corundum, synthetic corundum.7, gems

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Islamic Metalwork from the Iranian World, 8–18th Centuries

Islamic Metalwork from the Iranian World, 8–18th Centuries

Melikian-Chirvani, A.S. (1982)

Book · Source: Victoria and Albert Museum Catalog · Publisher: Victoria & Albert Museum · Pages: 445 pp.

Abstract
This was the first outline of Islamic Iranian metalwork to be published in any language. It is based on the collection in the Victoria & Albert Museum and is the work of Dr. Assadullah Souren Melikian-Chirvani [b. 1936], the distinguished authority of Near Eastern metalwork. The many illustrations present relevant details of epigraphy and iconography, the great majority of which have not been previously published. Souren Melikian is a French-Iranian art historian, art critic, and curator. He is a renowned scholar of Iranian culture, and its sphere of influence.
Keywords
gems, Islamic art, Islamic metalwork, Islamic jewelry, Islamic gems, ruby, diamond, spinel, emerald, jade

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Über ein neues Vorkommen von Smaragd bei Santa Terezinha, Goyaz, Brasilien

Über ein neues Vorkommen von Smaragd bei Santa Terezinha, Goyaz, Brasilien

On a new occurrence of emerald near Santa Terezinha, Goyaz, Brazil

Bank, H. and Petsch, E. (1982)

Journal Article · Source: Zeitschrift der Deutschen Gemmologischen Gesellschaft · Volume: Vol. 31 · Issue: No. 1/2 · Pages: pp. 89–90 · Language: In German

Abstract
Bank and Petsch report a newly recognized emerald occurrence near Santa Terezinha de Goiás, Brazil, describing the locality and the characteristics of the emerald material being produced there. The brief paper discusses the geological occurrence of the emeralds and their association with the host rocks, together with observations on the appearance and gemological characteristics of the crystals. It represents an early gemological report on Santa Terezinha, which subsequently became one of Brazil’s important emerald-producing districts.
Keywords
gems, beryl, emerald, Brazil, Santa Terezinha

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Étude par spectroscopie raman d'inclusions dans les diamants, saphirs et émeraudes

Étude par spectroscopie raman d'inclusions dans les diamants, saphirs et émeraudes

Study by Raman spectroscopy of inclusions in diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds

Dele-Dubois, M.-L., Dhamelincourt, P. and Schubnel, H.-J. (1980)

Journal Article · Source: Revue de Gemmologie A.F.G. · Issue: No. 63 · Pages: pp. 11–14 · Language: in French

Abstract
Dele-Dubois, Dhamelincourt, and Schubnel examine the application of Raman spectroscopy to the non-destructive identification of mineral inclusions in diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds. The technique permits inclusions to be analyzed in situ through the host gemstone by means of their characteristic Raman spectra, avoiding the need to extract or otherwise damage them. The authors demonstrate the usefulness of Raman spectroscopy for identifying very small inclusions that may be difficult to determine by conventional microscopy, illustrating its value both for gemological identification and for investigating the mineral assemblages trapped during gemstone formation.
Keywords
corundum, inclusions.5, diamond, beryl, emerald, spectroscopy, gems

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Economic geology of Australian gemstone deposits

Economic geology of Australian gemstone deposits

Broughton, P.L. (1979)

Journal Article · Source: Mineral Science and Engineering · Volume: Vol. 11 · Issue: No. 1 · Pages: pp. 3–21

Abstract
The diamondiferous and the sapphire-zircon gemmiferous gravels of eastern Queensland and New South Wales are buried Tertiary fluvial clastics preserved from erosion by overlying basalt flows. The igneous sources of the gemmiferous fraction are unknown. The Great Artesian Basin (Cretaceous) across western New South Wales, Queensland, and northern South Australia hosts the continent's precious opal districts. Igneous and metamorphic host rocks for gemstone deposits are rare on the continent. Notable exceptions are the chrysoprase veins associated with serpentite belts of eastern Queensland and the emerald deposits in the Precambrian Shield of Western Australia.
Keywords
corundum, Australia.12, gems

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Or, émeraudes et griffons à travers la Patrologie latine

Or, émeraudes et griffons à travers la Patrologie latine

Gold, emeralds, and griffins through the Latin Patrology

Camès, G. (1977)

Journal Article · Source: Gazette des Beaux-Arts · Volume: Series 6, Vol. 90 · Issue: No. 119 · Pages: pp. 105–108 · Language: in French

Abstract
Camès examines references to gold, emeralds, and griffins in the Patrologia Latina, considering their place in medieval Christian literature and symbolism.
Keywords
gems, early lapidaries, early gemology, early mineralogy, Albertus Magnus

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Smeraldi di Sandawana

Smeraldi di Sandawana

Emerald of Sandawana

Gübelin, E.J. (1976)

Journal Article · Source: La Gemmologia · Volume: Vol. 2 · Issue: No. 2 · Pages: pp. 5–18 · Language: in Italian

Keywords
gems, beryl, emerald, Zimbabwe, Rhodesia, Sandawana

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Über die Steine: das 14. Ahmad des Muhammad Ibn Kapitel aus dem Kitab-Mursid" Al-Tamīmī, nach dem Pariser Manuskript herausgegeben, übersetzt und kommentiert"

Über die Steine: das 14. Ahmad des Muhammad Ibn Kapitel aus dem Kitab-Mursid" Al-Tamīmī, nach dem Pariser Manuskript herausgegeben, übersetzt und kommentiert"

On Stones: Chapter 14 of the Kitāb al-Murshid of Aḥmad ibn Muḥammad al-Tamīmī, Edited, Translated, and Annotated from the Paris Manuscript.

Schöenfeld, J. (1976)

Book · Source: Islamkundliche Untersuchungen · Publisher: Klaus Schwarz Verlag · Issue: Vol. 38 · Pages: 259 pp. · Language: in German

Abstract
Mineralogical and gemological extracts from the large Arabic treatise on medicine and medicaments, based on the Paris manuscript. Schönfeld notes that this pharmacopoeia is “one of many dealing with simple healing materials, which borrow from Greek pharmacopoeias, particularly those of Dioscorides and Galen.” Among its contents are a list of abbreviations, an index to the literature, a biography of al-Tamīmī, descriptions of the manuscripts, orthographic and stylistic peculiarities, a discussion of medicine and magic, and a heavily annotated translation accompanied by the Arabic text. In general, the two classes of stones found in this work are: (1) “eye-healers,” including antimony, pearl, zircon, emerald, carnelian, hematite, coral, lapis lazuli, jet, turquoise, and meerschaum, among others; and (2) personal protective devices incorporating diamond, malachite, bezoar, and other substances. Isis, Critical Bibliography, vol. 69, 1978, p. 64.
Keywords
gems, Arabic mineralogy, Persian gemology, history of gemology, Arabic gemology, al-Tamīmī, pearl,

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Das Smaragd-Alexandritvorkommen von Lake Manyara/Tansania

Das Smaragd-Alexandritvorkommen von Lake Manyara/Tansania

The emerald-alexandrite deposit of Lake Manyara/Tanzania

Gübelin, E.J. (1976)

Journal Article · Source: Zeitschrift der Deutschen Gemmologischen Gesellschaft · Volume: Vol. 25 · Issue: No. 3 · Pages: pp. 130–147 · Language: in German

Abstract
Gübelin discusses the emerald and alexandrite occurrence at Lake Manyara in Tanzania, where chromium-bearing beryl and chrysoberyl occur together in the same gem-producing area. The paper concerns the geological and mineralogical character of the deposit and the properties of its emerald and alexandrite.
Keywords
beryl, emerald, alexandrite, Tanzania, gems

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Synthetic emerald: the confusing history and the current technologies

Synthetic emerald: the confusing history and the current technologies

Nassau, K. (1976)

Journal Article · Source: Journal of Crystal Growth · Volume: Vol. 35 · Issue: No. 2 · Pages: pp. 211–222

Abstract
Two techniques, flux and hydrothermal, have been used to grow emerald crystals, and various solvents have been employed. The lithium molybdate flux technique originated with Hautefeuille and Perrey in 1888 and was independently brought to feasibility by Nacken and at I.G.-Farben. This technique has proved to be commercially viable in the hands of Chatham and Gilson, who both perfected their processes independently of the Nacken and I.G.-Farben work, as well as of each other. Hydrothermal work culminated in the success of Flanigen and others at Linde, who found two acid mineralizers which gave satisfactory emerald growth; this process has not been commercially viable. Other crystal growth approaches of less significance are also discussed. Much confusion has existed because several flux techniques have in the past been misidentified as hydrothermal (there is, in fact, no evidence that even Nacken ever grew hydrothermal emerald) and some techniques claimed to produce crystals probably only yielded emerald glass, an inferior product. This account is based on original research, on an extensive literature search, as well as on many personal interviews. It is intended to clarify the confusing record as well as to present what is known about the current technology of gem emerald synthesis.
Keywords
beryl, synthetic beryl, emerald, gems

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The trouble with treasure

The trouble with treasure

Lyon, E. (1976)

Journal Article · Source: National Geographic · Volume: Vol. 149 · Issue: No. 6, June · Pages: pp. 787–809

Abstract
After five years of searching, determined divers found remnants of Atocha, a Spanish galleon that sank off Florida in 1622. But tragedy and legal entanglements have dogged their efforts and, as this article is written, the big prize—more than 90 percent of a treasure worth perhaps 100 million dollars—still eludes them.
Keywords
beryl, emerald, Colombia, gems

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Las Esmeraldas Sagradas: El tesoro de Fura-Tena

Las Esmeraldas Sagradas: El tesoro de Fura-Tena

The Sacred Emeralds: The Treasure of Fura-Tena (novel)

Cano, J.A. (1974)

Book · Publisher: Editorial Quin-Gráficas · Pages: 290 pp. · Language: in Spanish

Abstract
Cano’s Las Esmeraldas Sagradas is a novel centered on the emerald traditions of Colombia and the legendary Fura and Tena, figures closely associated with the emerald region of Boyacá. The title invokes the indigenous legend connecting Fura and Tena with the origin of Colombia’s emeralds and places the gemstone at the center of the narrative.
Keywords
gems, beryl, emerald, Colombia, Muzo, legends, history, fiction

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La esmeralda de Colombia: Descripción y Propiedades

La esmeralda de Colombia: Descripción y Propiedades

The Emerald of Colombia: Description and Properties

Barriga Villalba, A.M. and Barriga del Diestro, A.M. (1973)

Book · Publisher: Colegio Mayor de Nuestra Señora del Rosario, Departamento de Publicaciones · Pages: 100 pp. · Language: in Spanish

Abstract
Barriga Villalba and Barriga del Diestro present a monographic study of Colombian emerald, describing its principal characteristics and properties. The work considers emerald as a mineral and gemstone, with attention to its physical and optical properties, characteristic color and inclusions, and the features associated with Colombian material. It also discusses the geological occurrence and principal emerald-producing areas of Colombia, particularly the deposits of the Eastern Cordillera, and addresses aspects of mining and the evaluation of emeralds. The volume provides a contemporary Colombian account of the country’s most important gemstone and its distinguishing gemological and geological characteristics.
Keywords
beryl, emerald, Colombia, gems

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Jewels of the Pharoahs | Egyptian Jewelry of the Dynastic Period

Jewels of the Pharoahs | Egyptian Jewelry of the Dynastic Period

Aldred, C. (1971)

Book · Publisher: Praeger Publishers · Pages: 256 pp., many plates in color

Abstract
Only a small amount of Egyptian jewelry has survived the ravages of time and the grave robbers, but the remnant is staggeringly beautiful. This book presents for the first time in a single volume nearly 200 priceless objects from collections all over the world. The best known example is the virtually intact tomb of the Pharaoh Tutankhamun, discovered in 1922, but there are many other colections and individual pieces extant: diadems, armlets, pendants, rings, bracelets, earrings, buckles, breastplates, necklaces, amulets – wrought in Nubian gold, lapis lazuli, brilliant colored faience and blood red carnelian. These opulent jeweled pieces, many modelled after organic forms such as vultures, cobras, falcons, lotus flowers, scarab beetles and winged half-human goddesses, are among the most splendid objects of Egyptian antiquity. Cyril Aldred’s lively text covers the enchanting story of each piece, including misdeeds and discoveries both ancient and modern. He explains the fascinating uses and significance of Egyptian jewels, the materials, and the techniques used to transform these materials into the exquisitely decorative trappings of wealth for kings and queens. Mr. Aldred’s text, which covers the finest pieces from every major find, is illustrated throughout with line drawings in addition to photographs, many in brilliant color, taken under special conditions in the Cairo Museum by Albert Shoucair. As one prominent Egyptologist noted, Jewels of the Pharaohs is unequalled in its comprehensiveness and destined to be a standard for generations. • Sinkankas: An interesting, authoritative, and well-balanced work, it begins with notes on the recovery of jewels from ancient hoards and burials, exploring the uses of jewelry, the materials employed, the craftsmen and their tools, and techniques used in working both metals and non-metals, as well as the various forms jewelry took. This is followed by a chronological table and extensive, detailed notes on the illustrations, which occupy nearly half the volume. Gemologists will find much of value here, as gemstones play a prominent role in the jewelry of the Egyptians.
Keywords
gems, ancient gemology, ancient jewelry, Egypt, Egyptian jewelry, beryl, emerald, turquoise, malachite

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Venus und Virginitas – Zur Symbolik des Smaragds und seinen virtutes

Venus und Virginitas – Zur Symbolik des Smaragds und seinen virtutes

Venus and virginity – On the symbolism of the emerald and its virtutes

Schreiner, K. (1967)

Journal Article · Source: Mittellateinisches Jahrbuch · Volume: Vol. 4 · Pages: pp. 26–60 · Language: in German

Abstract
Schreiner examines the symbolic meanings and supposed virtutes of the emerald in classical, biblical, patristic, and medieval traditions, concentrating on an apparent contradiction in its symbolism: the stone could be associated both with Venus, erotic love, and sexuality and with virginity, chastity, and the Virgin Mary. He traces these divergent meanings through lapidaries, theological and literary sources, showing how the emerald’s greenness, beauty, purity, and traditionally attributed powers allowed it to acquire different and sometimes opposing allegorical meanings. Particular attention is given to Christian reinterpretations of earlier traditions, in which the emerald became an emblem of chastity and virginity while older associations with Venus continued to survive. The article illustrates how medieval understandings of gemstones combined inherited natural history, lapidary lore, theology, and symbolism rather than assigning stones a single fixed meaning.
Keywords
gems, ancient lapidaries, beryl, emerald, emerald lore

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Exploring the Literature of Emerald

Emerald literature spans gemology, mineralogy, deposits, identification, treatments, synthesis, history and the gem trade, with important sources covering deposits around the world.

For a curated guide to this subject, read Green Fire — Lotus Gemology's Guide to the Literature of Emerald.

About Four Treasures

Four Treasures is Lotus Gemology's freely accessible gemological reference database. Use the full database to search by author, title or keyword and explore literature on gemology, mineralogy, jewelry and related fields. Where available, hyperlinks on titles may lead directly to the full publication.

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