Mineral | Beryl |
---|---|
Chemistry | Be3Al2Si6O18 |
Color | Vibrant Green |
Refractive Index | 1.577 - 1.583 |
Birefringence | 0.005 - 0.009 |
Specific Gravity | 2.72 |
Mohs Hardness | 7.5 - 8.0 |
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Colombian emeralds are highly prized gemstones known for their vibrant green color and exceptional beauty. Here's a more detailed look at Colombian emeralds Colombia is renowned for its emerald production, supplying around 90% of the world market for green gemstones.The most significant characteristic of Colombian emeralds is their color, which is often referred to as Muzo Green.
Mineral | Beryl |
---|---|
Chemistry | Be3Al2Si6O18 |
Color | Vibrant Green |
Refractive Index | 1.577 - 1.583 |
Birefringence | 0.005 - 0.009 |
Specific Gravity | 2.72 |
Mohs Hardness | 7.5 - 8.0 |
Colombian emeralds are among the most valuable of their kind, with prices ranging from $30 USD to $10,000 USD or even higher, depending on quality. The value is determined by factors such as color, clarity, transparency, and the presence of inclusions. Clearer stones with fewer visible inclusions are more valuable than darker stones with prominent inclusions.
The most sought-after color for Colombian emeralds is blueish-green to pure dark green, often referred to as "Muzo Green." Highly valuable stones are highly transparent, evenly colored, and show no visible color zoning. Stones with hues and tones that are too yellowish or blueish are not considered emeralds and are from the beryl family but of a different variety.
The primary emerald mines in Colombia include Muzo, Chivor, and Coscuez. Muzo is the oldest and most famous mine, with a history dating back to the Spanish Conquistadors in the 16th century. Chivor emeralds are known for their blueish color and are considered higher quality. Coscuez stones display a variety of properties, making each mine unique.
There are many different properties of Colombian Emeralds, all mentioned in this article. However, two main optical properties help gemologists distinguish between natural stones and synthetic counterparts. These two properties are Absorption Spectrum and Luminescence.
Colombian emeralds should be set in protective settings to prevent physical damage. Mechanical cleaning methods like ultrasonic cleaning or steam cleaning are not recommended, as they can shatter the stone. The safest way to clean Colombian emeralds is to wash them with warm soapy water and a soft brush or have them professionally cleaned by a jeweler.