Synthesis of emeralds: how to get the color

Emeralds have long been desirable, prompting scientific efforts to synthesize them. Initial experiments aimed at recreating emeralds by melting beryl fragments failed, producing glass instead of crystals. True success came when scientists managed to synthesize tiny emerald crystals by heating a mixture of beryl components with chromium oxide. Over time, improved methods yielded better results, including crystals with the same physical properties and color as natural emeralds.
Key breakthroughs occurred in the early 20th century, particularly through the work of Nacken and subsequent experiments by the Farbwerke industry company, which refined the process to grow larger, high-quality synthetic emeralds. These synthetic stones were notable for their vibrant color, although they often displayed higher fluorescence and slightly different physical properties compared to natural emeralds.
By the 1930s, Carol Chatham in San Francisco successfully grew synthetic emeralds, producing stones large enough for industrial use. These advancements marked significant progress in the ability to replicate the beauty and properties of natural emeralds through synthetic means.
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