Mineral | Beryl |
---|---|
Chemistry | Be3Al2Si6O18 |
Color | Green - Vivid Green |
Refractive Index | 1.577 to 1.583 |
Birefringence | 0.005 to 0.009 |
Specific Gravity | 2.72 |
Mohs Hardness | 7.5 - 8.0 |
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Zambian emeralds are a beautiful variety of emeralds known for their vivid green color and unique characteristics. Here's a closer look at Zambian emeralds.
Mineral | Beryl |
---|---|
Chemistry | Be3Al2Si6O18 |
Color | Green - Vivid Green |
Refractive Index | 1.577 to 1.583 |
Birefringence | 0.005 to 0.009 |
Specific Gravity | 2.72 |
Mohs Hardness | 7.5 - 8.0 |
The value of Zambian emeralds, like all emeralds, is influenced by the Four C's: color, clarity, carat, and cut. Color is the most important factor in determining the value of an emerald, with bluish-green hues, medium-dark tones, and strong vivid saturation being highly desirable. Clarity is also important, although emeralds tend to tolerate more inclusions compared to other gemstones. Unenhanced, high-quality Zambian emeralds with the correct certification can fetch higher prices than treated stones of the same size, color, and clarity.
The geological conditions in Colombia produce the exact color and saturation which consumers are looking for, making Colombian Emeralds very precious and valuable. However, Zambian Emeralds are seeing a rise in popularity. Emeralds from the African country can also display an unusual blue tone, with blue-green/yellow-green pleochroism because their iron content is relatively high at 0.73%. They can be intensely color zoned showing almost colorless cores and dark green rims, similar to watermelon Tourmaline.
Colombia is the epicenter for the world’s emeralds, producing 70% to 90% of the world’s demand. Brazil is also a major producer, making South America the top emerald mining source. The Egyptian emerald mines that supplied Cleopatra with copious amounts of jewels have long since been empty, but Africa is still a top producer of Emeralds, second only to South America. There are mines in Zambia (the second largest Emerald producing country behind Colombia, producing 20% of the world’s demand), Zimbabwe, Madagascar and Nigeria. Each of these African sources, typically, produce a certain color, size and clarity of stone. Since 2016, Ethiopia has also been producing high-quality gemstones, with grass green gemstone color that don’t require oil treatment.
Zambian emeralds may contain various inclusions, including biotite (black crystals), pinpoints, breadcrumb inclusions, tourmaline (dravite), magnetite, rutile, chrysoberyl, muscovite, apatite, quartz, ilmenite, color zoning, and 2-phase inclusions.
Emerald rings should have protective settings to prevent physical damage, as emeralds are relatively brittle. Clean Zambian emeralds with warm soapy water and a soft brush, avoiding mechanical cleaning methods that can shatter the stones. If you are unsure about cleaning, it's best to have your Zambian emerald professionally cleaned by a jeweler.