The Evolution of Gemology and the Role of Emeralds in History
After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, scientific inquiry in Europe slowed dramatically, and the study of gemstones was no exception. Intellectual focus shifted toward the Islamic scholars of the East, who, although heavily influenced by Greek and Roman writings, occasionally made original contributions to gemology, particularly in understanding the physical and chemical properties of stones. These scholars were also the first to distinguish between the medicinal and talismanic uses of gemstones, marking a shift toward a more scientific approach to gemology.
Al-Biruni’s Contributions to Gemology
In the 11th century, Persian scholar al-Biruni made significant contributions to gemology and mineralogy. However, his work on emeralds was limited. He classified emeralds into four varieties, based on their color and luster:
- Akhdar-murr: Lustrous like beet leaves, transitioning from myrtle green to the fresh green of barley leaves.
- Bahri: Less lustrous, with a myrtle-like shine, preferred by coastal and Chinese people.
- Maghribi: Very green, but with minimal luster, popular in the West.
- Asam: The least green and least lustrous, considered the cheapest variety.
Al-Biruni also described the ideal emerald, emphasizing a pure green color, free from blemishes or discoloration, with a lustrous finish.
Debunking Myths: The Emerald and Serpents
Al-Biruni is also credited with debunking the popular myth that emeralds could blind serpents. He conducted extensive experiments, including placing emerald necklaces around snakes’ necks and having them walk on emerald floors. Despite common beliefs and scholarly assertions, al-Biruni found no harmful effects on the serpents’ vision.
Indigenous Beliefs and the Sacred Nature of Emeralds
On the other side of the world, indigenous cultures, such as the Maya, Toltec, Aztec, and Inca, revered emeralds as sacred objects. These civilizations believed emeralds played a key role in their religious rituals and were used for both personal adornment and spiritual purposes. The Muisca people of Colombia, home to some of the world’s richest emerald deposits, considered emeralds as ancient ancestors and symbols of power.
The Role of Emeralds in the Christian Middle Ages
In Medieval Europe, the Church played a major role in the study and use of gemstones. Emeralds held special significance in Christianity, mentioned several times in the Bible. During the 12th to 14th centuries, Christian clergy practiced lithotherapy — the belief that gemstones could heal the mind and body. The clergy closely guarded this knowledge, and those who questioned its efficacy were often labeled heretics.
Albertus Magnus, a Dominican monk and one of the founders of modern botany and zoology, was a key figure in the study of gemstones. He believed emeralds could enhance memory, calm the mind, and even symbolize chaste love. According to Albertus Magnus, emeralds would shatter if exposed to unbridled passion, reinforcing their association with purity and virtue.
The Fascination of Royalty and the Decline of Stone Cutting
Medieval European royalty, much like the clergy, were drawn to gemstones, with emeralds playing an important role in court life. For example, King Henry VII of England awarded emerald rings to the bravest knights in tournaments during the late 15th century.
Despite the fascination with gemstones, the technology for cutting precious stones in Europe had fallen behind that of the ancient Greeks and Romans. The advanced techniques of faceting were lost during the decline of the Western Roman Empire, and gemstones were often polished into smooth cabochons. It wasn’t until the 14th century that European lapidaries began to adopt Indian cutting techniques, leading to the revival of faceting. By 1530, Indian lapidaries had perfected the art of cutting symmetrical facets, a technique that spread to Europe by 1538.
The State of Gemology During the Middle Ages
Gemology and mineralogy during the Middle Ages in the Western world saw few new advancements. The texts and manuscripts from the period reflect the thoughts and beliefs of ancient scholars, rather than presenting scientific progress. Most of the knowledge shared during this time was based on superstition and mythology rather than empirical observation or scientific reasoning. Adams (1938) summarizes this era, describing medieval mineralogy as “a fairy castle”, beautiful but lacking a solid foundation in reality. It was not until later centuries that modern mineralogy would emerge, built on rigorous observation and scientific study.