In order to work with our crystals effectively, we need to understand their properties. With crystals that look similar or have similar uses, such as emeralds and diamonds it can be difficult to determine which one to work with. The answer should always be; the one that you are drawn to the most. However, if you are looking to find the difference in physical appearance as well as metaphysical properties, you’ll find your answer here.
If both are of the same quality, emeralds will be more expensive, as they are rarer than diamonds. Diamonds are more durable. Emeralds represent compassion, love, recovery, renewal, and regeneration, while diamonds represent purity, loyalty, and everlasting love.
Continue reading if you want to know more about the (physical) qualities of these stones, as well as how you can use them in your spiritual practice.
Also read: Jade vs. Emerald: This Is The Difference
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Emeralds vs. Diamond – What’s The Difference?
In order to understand the difference between these two stones, we can look at the color, shape, pattern, clarity, and more. Below we’ll describe all these aspects in detail.
Chemical Composition
Emeralds are a green variety of beryl. Pure beryl is colorless, but traces of vanadium or chromium will cause them to have an intense green color. Although the shade of green can differ depending on where they were mined, they are generally quite vibrant. Emeralds may also contain iron in their chemical composition, giving them a bluish tint.
Diamonds are single-element gemstones. They contain 99% carbon molecules and trace elements of other minerals filling the remaining 1%. As they generally have very few other elements in their composition, they are most often colorless.
Color
Emeralds have primary green hues. Its secondary hues are blue and green. The medium and darker-toned green varieties of beryl are emeralds, while the lighter shades generally just go by green beryl.
Pure diamonds are colorless. However, there are rare occasions when diamonds can turn yellow, green, blue, or red. These special colored diamonds are much rarer and more expensive than emeralds.
Also read: Strawberry Quartz vs Rose Quartz: This is the Difference
Clarity
If you’re looking to buy emerald or diamond jewelry, its clarity can play a large role.
Diamonds should not have any inclusions that are visible to the naked eye. As a result, they should be transparent.
Emerald, however, is often included as the result of gas bubbles and other minerals getting trapped during its formation. Though this is part of its appeal, generally, the fewer inclusions and thus more transparent, the higher the value of the stone.
Hardness
If you’re looking for the most durable stone, a diamond is your best bet. On the Mohs scale of hardness, emeralds score 7.5-8, while diamonds rate a 10.
If you’re unfamiliar, the Mohs scale of hardness determines a stone’s hardness by measuring how scratch-resistant it is on a scale of 1-10. According to this scale, a stone can scratch any other mineral with a lower score. For reference, talc is a 1, whereas, as mentioned, diamond is a 10. With this score, the stone is incredibly strong and is the best choice if you only care about longevity. However, emerald’s 7.5-8 still makes it perfectly strong enough for daily wear.
Care
As with any gemstone and jewelry, be careful with the way you handle them to make sure you can enjoy their beauty for many years.
For emeralds specifically, they naturally contain surface-reaching fractures. As a result, they are treated to enhance their appearance. Enhancements on these gems are graded on four levels: moderate, minor, none, or highly enhanced. At least 90% of emeralds have their fractures filled with polymers, oils, and resins. As ultrasonic vibrations will damage the fractured stones, and steam cleaning will sweat oils out of the filled fractures, it is recommended to only clean them with a soft cloth, warm water, and mild detergent.
Diamonds, too, should only be cleaned using warm soapy water.
It is also recommended to regularly get jewelry pieces with emerald or diamond professionally cleaned. This will not only make them last longer but will also ensure the stones keep their shine and look their best.
Location
The main sources of emeralds are Zambia, Colombia, and Brazil, but the stone can also be found in other parts of the world. Colombian emeralds are considered to be the finest. Diamonds are found in Congo, China, Russia, and Botswana.
Also read: Golden Healer Quartz vs Citrine: This Is The Difference
Metaphysical Properties
Beware that crystals are never a replacement for professional medical help. If you have any issues, see a doctor first and follow their advice.
Emerald stones represent compassion, love, recovery, renewal, and regeneration. Its association with Mercury, the planet of communication, means that the stone elevates intelligence and wisdom. It also sharpens memory and spreads rejuvenating energies to all body parts. Emeralds are also good talismans for luck and fertility.
Diamonds symbolize purity and power. In relationships, the stone represents commitment, trust, and fidelity and is associated with bringing love and abundance. When used together with other stones, it amplifies their healing energies. Diamonds inspire clarity, fearlessness, and new beginnings.
Chakra Association
Emeralds are associated with the heart chakra. This chakra is located slightly above the heart. It is responsible for love, forgiveness, empathy, and compassion. Imbalances on this chakra manifest as grudges, lack of trust and understanding, and loneliness. Balance can be restored by practicing gratitude, meditation, and using heart-opening crystals like emeralds.
Diamonds are connected to the crown chakra, which offers spiritual and divine connection. It’s located at the top of the head. A balanced crown strengthens spiritual connections, self-knowledge, infinite wisdom, and a sense of power. Imbalances will manifest in close-mindedness and feeling disconnected from the world around you.
Zodiac Association and Ruling Planets
Different cultures around the world have created links between gemstones and the months. The Indians created the ayurvedic list of birthstones, the Tibetans created the mystical, the traditional list originates in Christianity, and the American Gem Association created the modern list.
When a stone is associated with a zodiac sign, it is particularly beneficial to them. However, feel free to use a crystal or gem when you feel attracted to it, regardless of your sign.
Emeralds are mystical birthstones for January (Capricorn and Aquarius) and traditional and modern birthstones for people born in May (Taurus and Gemini). Emeralds are also the anniversary gemstone for the 20th and 55th years.
Emerald is also associated with Mercury, the planet of communication, logic, and rationality. As a result, it is associated with Virgo and Gemini, which are also ruled by this planet.
Diamonds are modern birthstones for April (Aries and Taurus). Diamonds are also the gemstones for the 60th anniversary.
Diamond’s connection to Taurus is strengthened even more because they are both ruled by Venus, the planet of love, beauty, and luxury.
Also read: Hematite vs Magnetite: This Is The Difference
Element Association
Just like birthstones, many cultures have developed the idea of elements to explain nature. In the west, this idea was created by the ancient Greeks and consisted of 4 elements: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water.
The 4 elements represent the following:
- Earth for personal growth, stability and security
- Water for love, friendships and emotions
- Air for intellect, wisdom and communication
- Fire for energy, passion and action
Emeralds are earth element crystals. Earth is a feminine and nurturing element that spiritually symbolizes the foundation for life and sustenance for all living beings. The colors used to represent the element are brown, black, and earthy-toned colors. Earth crystals can be used to connect and activate your earth element and help you feel more grounded and secure.
Diamonds are connected to the fire element. This element is the most physically active of the four main elements of nature. It represents passion, transformation, and creativity. The energies of this element are responsible for sex drive, reproduction, irritability, and impulsive traits. Fire element crystals are used for purification, protection, and cleansing.
Numerical Vibration
Emeralds vibrate to the anchoring energies of 4. In numerology, this number represents security, solid foundations, and stability. The emerald will channel this number’s energies to developing spiritual and mental stability, giving us more control over our thoughts and life. It is a stone to use when you feel lost and directionless. It will reveal your life’s purpose and balance and ground your heart, mind, and soul energies.
Diamonds vibrate at the master energies of 33. These energies are believed to open all body chakras and awaken the kundalini energies. The number in numerology symbolizes guidance, compassion, blessings, honesty, discipline, and bravery. Number 33 also inspires honesty, inspiration, and outstanding devotion.
Also read: Lapis Lazuli vs Sapphire: This Is The Difference
Best Combination
It can be incredibly beneficial to pair and combine crystals with similar properties to get the most out of our work with crystals. This way, they can strengthen and enhance each other. Below you’ll find some interesting options.
Emeralds and rose quartz will do well for the heart chakra. The pair stimulates and opens the chakra and promotes long-term relationships and loyalty.
Emeralds can be used together with lapis lazuli for the throat chakra, improving communication, positivity, and loyalty.
Moldavite and diamonds are a popular combination for dream works and visions. Diamonds amplify the energies of the stones it is used together with. When the pair is used in meditation, it boosts visualization, celestial heights, and communication with spirit guides.
Diamond can also be paired with celestite for divine awareness and to stimulate the throat and crown chakra. The pair also elevates the spirit and allows you to experience tranquility.
Uses
There are many different ways to use these stones. Below we’ll outline a few options for you.
Jewelry
Wearing jewelry is the best way to include these stones into your life, as they allow you to work with the stone’s energy all day. Make sure to wear them on your skin closest to the associated chakra, allowing you to reap the most of the stone’s benefits. For emeralds, this would mean a necklace, while for diamonds, earrings are a good option.
Meditation
Emeralds and diamonds can be used in meditation for their spiritual abilities. Emeralds heighten spiritual awareness, enhance psychic abilities, and improve mental capacity. The gemstone also improves clarity and memory. On the other hand, diamonds are associated with love, strength, and health. The gem can be included in meditation and the manifestation of vitality and strength.
If this is what you’re interested in, I’ll leave 2 guided meditations below; one for the heart chakra (emerald) and one for the crown chakra (diamond) below.
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