Emeralds - Part 2

Inspite of being excavated from times immemorial emeralds have not failed to charm  the mankind till date. Huge amounts of capital is invested to find out new profitable deposits and to exploit the current sources. Gem laboratories are constantly researching on how to improvise the appearance and marketability of emeralds. Further, even emerald synthetics have been developed due to rarity and affordability issues.

The Jewel Affair attempts to bring to you all the information about various emerald sources around the world, various treatments and synthetics.

Sources of Emeralds:

At present most of the emeralds are being mined from four major sources-

Columbia, Zambia, Brazil and Zimbabwe.

Columbia: this is one of the oldest known source of emeralds. The fine quality emeralds unearthed from Columbia are unmatched and it produces 60% of the total world production. The most important attribute of Columbian emeralds is their spectacular pure green hue and vivid saturation.

COLUMBIAN EMERALD

The prized Columbian emeralds are produced by three major mines – Muzo, Chivor and Coscuez. These mines have given the world famous emeralds like the Devonshire emerald which is the biggest uncut emerald, weighing nearly 1400 cts. This uncut emerald was presented by a Brazilian emperor to the 6^th Duke of Devonshire. Even the legendary Egyptian emerald tablet is believed to be from Columbian mines. Another highlight of the Muzo mines are Trapiche emerald which have a hexagonal core and six spokes extend from it. It looks like a star pattern. These emeralds are extremely unusual and rare.

 

DEVONSHIRE EMERALD

EGYPTIAN EMERALD TABLET

TRAPICHE EMERALD

There have been numerous conflicts to gain control over these natural treasures from as early as 1567, when Spanish invaded Columbia. As years passed by various the Government tried to gain control over the mining areas but rebel groups and drug mafia posed many challenges. Eventually the Government’s efforts paid off and they managed to eliminate these groups. But even today emeralds are used to fund illegal operations.

Inclusion are extremely important not only to distinguish between a synthetic and natural gemstones but in many cases to identify the origin of the gems. this holds true specially in the case of Columbian emeralds. Certain inclusions like three-phase inclusions are typical of the location.

 

THREE PHASE INCLUSION

Brazil : South America has one more emerald hot spot – Brazil. Brazilian emeralds are said to be more of commercial quality and they do not possess the perfect green hue and vivid saturation. Emeralds from this area have bluish overtones and a slightly darker color due to the presence of iron.

Minas Gerais, Goias and Bahia are the three most important emerald producing states of Brazil. Itabira and Nova Era are the two areas which produce remarkable quality emeralds. Emeralds from these regions are quite popular in the international market. In the past few years the Capoeirana area of Nova Era has shown tremendous potential.

 

BRAZILIAN EMERALD

Zambia : Africa is a land of fortunes. Mineral abundance has enabled Africa to produce many spectacular gems including emeralds. Zambia is one of the leading countries which has made a mark in the emerald market. Emeralds from this zone are known for their transparency and bluish under

tones. The bluish tone is generally due to the presence of iron. The Kafubu river area has the richest emerald deposits. The Kagem mine from the region accounts to 20% of the world production. In past other two mines Kamakanga and Mbuva Chibolele also contributed to the supplies but these mines have been closed down.

 

ZAMBIAN EMERALD

Zimbabwe : this African country has produced some remarkable gems. The Sandwana region has the most profitable deposits and the emeralds excavated here can rival Columbian or Zambian emeralds. Zimbabwe emeralds are usually small in size and have yellowish  overtones.

 

ZIMBABWE EMERALD

Besides these four major sources there are many other countries around the world are producing emeralds.

Madagascar : in the recent times Madagascar has shown tremendous potential for the three biggies in gemstone – Ruby, Sapphire and Emeralds.  Emeralds here are mined from the Kianjavato mines which are situated in the rain forests.

Afghanistan : The Panjshir valley in Afghanistan is renowned for its emeralds. The valley’s mines produce a variety of gems but these valuable resources have not been exploited to their potential due to political instability. The emeralds from here are slightly darker in color and cater to the commercial quality demand.

Russia : Ural mountains in Russia are extremely rich in minerals. Emeralds from this are are being mined from many years but due to low production and low quality it has failed to make a mark in the emerald industry. Emeralds from this area have bluish and yellowish overtones and the color saturation is low.

Emerald mining is carried out in various other countries as well which includes Pakistan, United States, India, China and Australia. The quanities produced here are insignificant.

Emeralds as a subject is extremely vast and therefore to accommodate all information in an article is challenging. Hence The Jewel Affair will continue talking about variety of emerald treatments and synthetics in its next post.