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E M E R A L D S

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Author Topic: E M E R A L D S  (Read 282 times)
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Bianca
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« on: November 08, 2008, 07:39:22 pm »









To gather these isotope values, Giuliani, Chaussidon and their colleagues used a technique known
as ion microprobe oxygen isotopic analysis. The method works by bombarding the emerald with an
electron ion beam, which dislodges oxygen ions from the crystal lattice of the gem that the scientists
can collect and analyze. This makes very small craters in the stones that are invisible to the naked
eye. The virtually non-destructive method allowed the research team to reassure the curators of
these priceless gems that their investigations would not cause irreparable harm, Giuliani said.

The isotope values of the nine emeralds in their study offer an unequaled glimpse at the mining and trade
of emeralds from antiquity through the Age of Exploration. For instance, Egypt and Austria were thought
to be the only sources of gem-quality emeralds in the ancient world, and the researchers did find that the
Holy Crown and Hauy emeralds came from mines in these areas. However, they traced the Miribel earring
stone to Pakistan, a previously unrecognized source of emeralds in antiquity. And according to the isotope
data, one of the stones from the Hyderabad treasury in India originated in Afghanistan. "The deposits in
these areas fall along the old Silk Route," Giuliani said, "and it may be that they were mined or collected
there as traders passed though, and brought to Rome and France and elsewhere."

Also surprising was the origin of the remaining three emeralds from the Hyderabad treasury, often known
as "old mine" emeralds for their supposed source in lost mines of Asia. Some scholars believe that these
emeralds may have made their historical debut as far back in time as the days of Alexander the Great
(around 300 B.C.), eventually finding their way into the opulent coffers of the Nizam by the 1800s.

Instead, the isotope analysis showed that these prized stones came from three separate mines in Columbia, indicating that the trade in emeralds from the New World made rapid and significant inroads into Europe and
the Near East.

Analysis of the emerald from the wreck of the Nuestra Seņora de Atocha reveals a Columbian origin for that
gem as well, providing further direct evidence of the Spanish role in bringing New World emeralds into Old
World trade.
« Last Edit: November 08, 2008, 07:46:42 pm by Bianca » Report Spam   Logged

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