Many customers pay great attention to the place of origin when purchasing emeralds, especially Colombia and Zambia, which are the most familiar. What is the significance of the place of origin of emeralds? What are the differences between emeralds from various origins?
1. Colombia
Colombia is the largest emerald producing area, and high-quality emeralds account for the majority of the world market; Chivor Mine and Muzo Mine are the two most famous emerald mines in Colombia: Chivor Mine was developed as early as 1537 , the emeralds it produces have a bluish tone, longer crystals, and fewer inclusions, so their brightness and clarity are higher than ordinary emeralds; the emeralds produced in the Muzo mining area are the most highly regarded, and the emerald crystals produced in the Muzo mine are shorter. , but the color has a higher saturation. One of the emeralds known as "Muzuo Green" is famous for meeting the strict requirements. It needs to have a deep emerald green with bluish light that is difficult to imitate. If it reaches the same quality as "Muzuo Green" For color, the authoritative identification agency GRS will note MUZOGREEN on the attachment page of the certificate, or add an * after VIVID GREEN. The same color has not yet been seen in other producing countries, which shows the rarity of Colombian "Muzo Green" emeralds.
Left: Muzo mine produces emeralds, Right: Chivor mine produces emeralds [Online image]
2. Zambia
Zambia is the second largest producer of high-quality emeralds, and its overall quality is similar to that of Colombian emeralds. Due to the high iron content in the geology of the mining area, the emeralds produced are bright green or green with blue, and contain flaky biotite. Or columnar hornblende inclusions, slightly grayish in tone. The Mohs hardness produced in Zambia (7.5-8) is also higher than the hardness produced in Colombia (7-7.5), so it is suitable for cutting into smaller and high-quality gemstones.
Zambian green emerald produced [Image source: GIA]
3. Brazil
Brazil is rich in a variety of gemstones, including emeralds. Emeralds produced in Brazil are generally light in color with a slight yellowish color and have many flaws. They are mostly low-grade. However, in recent years, a large number of high-quality emeralds have been discovered, and their inclusion properties are close to those produced in Colombia. , may be cleaner than those produced in Colombia. Because of its low price and high quality, it has gradually become a major force in the market.
Brazil produces green emeralds [Image source: GIA]
4. Others
Other emerald producing areas include Afghanistan, Tanzania, Africa, Yunnan, China, etc., all of which have high-quality emeralds. However, very few of them can enter the international gem market. This is why emeralds from Colombia, Zambia and Brazil have become internationally recognized. mainstream.
Afghanistan produces green gemstones [Image source: M.S. Krzemnicki, SSEF]
Green gemstones produced in Yunnan, China [Image source: Yang Hu, GIA]
Further reading - Emeralds and Sapphires:
How can Shaflei stone be a substitute? Differentiate between 'Shaflei stone' and 'emerald' in 1 minute.
WILLS JEWELLERY Gemstone Evaluation
WILLS JEWELLERY is committed to providing customers with the most professional services. All emerald products are also accompanied by our gemstone reviews. Some products even have professional identification certificates, listing the grade of the natural gemstones selected, so that customers can clearly understand the gemstone products they purchase. characteristics, giving the best confidence guarantee.
Rating notes
Cutting: the cutting and polishing technique used by craftsmen
Origin: The origin characteristics of gemstones manifested physically
Color depth: the inherent natural color intensity of gemstones
Color: The inherent natural color category of gemstones is closely related to their place of origin
Contents: Mineral substances naturally present inside gemstones, affecting their visual and intrinsic value
Transparency: affected by the density, distribution, and quality of inclusions, the higher the transparency, the more fire a gemstone will exhibit
Oil treatment: Natural optimization process reduces the visibility of internal fractures in gemstones, improves clarity, and protects emeralds.
More gem knowledge
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