All You Need to Know About Different Types of Emerald Gemstones

The intense green colour of emerald stone symbolizes hope and renewal. The ancient Egyptians believed that emeralds were magical and could protect them from evil spirits. The name comes from the ancient Greek word ‘smaragdos’, which means green gemstone. It is also the birthstone for those born in the month of May. You can buy certified stones online from a trusted place like GemPundit to ensure that you are buying the best quality emeralds.

Emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl, which has a hexagonal crystal structure. The colour of emerald gemstones depends on chromium content and its chemical composition. Most emeralds have a bluish-green hue, but can also be found in yellowish-green or brownish-green colours.

The colour intensity depends on the origin where it was mined and how long it was exposed to different elements during processing. The types of Emerald Stone are based on their origins, which include:

Colombian Emerald

These are emeralds mined in Colombia, and South America. They are considered the most valuable type of emeralds and are highly sought after by jewellers. These gems are dark green in colour and have a very vivid shimmer. The finest Colombian emeralds have intense colour saturation, which is why they’re often used in jewellery and fetch a high emerald price per carat.

The Colombian emerald is mined mostly from Muzo, Coscuez and Chivor mines. The most famous of these mines is the Muzo mine, which is located in Western Boyacá, Colombia. This mine was discovered by Spanish conquistadors in the 1st Century and has been producing stunning emeralds ever since.

Zambian Emeralds

Mined primarily from the Kafubu area of the Northern Province of Zambia, the popularity of these emeralds has increased in recent years due to their extreme quality and unique appearance. Zambian emeralds are known for their superior clarity since they contain fewer inclusions than other stones.

The bluish undertone that sets these gems apart from other emeralds comes from a high concentration of iron present in them. These gems are typically cut into cabochon shapes to showcase their beauty, but they can also be faceted or polished into a brilliant mirror finish. They are an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality, yet affordable emerald.

The history of Zambian emeralds dates back to the 1970s when a government mining company took the mining rights to the area. The company worked hard to expand the mines and establish a solid infrastructure for miners to work with. Today, Zambian emeralds are mined in several different locations throughout the country and shipped worldwide for sale.

Brazilian Emeralds

Brazilian emeralds are another popular choice for those looking to purchase an affordable, yet high-quality gemstone. These stones are often yellowish-green, but this is also a result of the iron in the stone. Regardless of whether it looks green or not, Brazilian emeralds are high in demand.

Brazilian emeralds are a brilliant green colour and have long been known for their quality. They are typically mined in the state of Minas Gerais, located in south-eastern Brazil. Like Zambian emeralds, Brazilian emeralds come from pegmatite deposits and can be cut into cabochon shapes or faceted into a brilliant mirror finish.

The first major mining operations in Brazil were started by conquistadors and explorers in the 1600s before being taken over by the government and expanded upon. Today, they are still mined throughout Minas Gerais along with other areas of Brazil, including Goiás and Ceará.

Brazilian emeralds are a popular choice of gemstone for jewellery because they are typically cut in a variety of shapes and sizes. They also have a beautiful green colour that stands out well against other colours, especially gold.

Indian Emeralds

India has several emerald mines, most notably in the states of Rajasthan, Odisha and Jharkhand. The best quality gems are sourced from the mines located in Rajasthan. Emerald mines in the districts of Ajmer and Udaipur produce large quantities of high-quality emeralds. The Rajgarh and Bhubani mine, located in the Ajmer district, produces a majority percentage of Indian green emeralds.

The emeralds from these mines are unusually bright in colour and extremely clean when compared to other Indian varieties. They are polished in Jaipur, where the art of cutting and processing diamonds has been perfected by generations of skilled craftsmen.

The emerald rough extracted from the Gudabandha region of East Singhbhum district in Jharkhand lies within a moderate to low quality range. The stones are dark green in colour and have tiny black spots visible to the naked eye.

Apart from the major emerald-producing regions of Jharkhand and Rajasthan, there are also small mines in other areas including Birmaharajapura and Patangarh in Odisha and Kurur- Kangayam region in Tamil Nadu.

How to Buy Quality Emerald Gemstone?

The best way to buy an emerald gemstone is by visiting a reputable store. If possible, ask for a gemological laboratory report that certifies the stone’s authenticity and origin. These reports are issued by recognized organizations such as GIA or International Gemological Institute (IGI).

Check the colour and clarity of the stone. Emeralds should be bright green with no visible inclusions or flaws. If you’re buying a faceted stone, look for smooth, well-defined facets. Make sure that it has a uniform colour and is bright enough to catch light easily. Also, make sure that the stone has been set in a quality mounting.

A gemstone should be set in a way that highlights its best features and minimizes flaws. If you’re buying an emerald ring, check if the setting is durable and secure enough to hold onto the stone when worn every day.

Conclusion

No matter the type of emerald you’re looking for, it’s important that you know the basics. This will help you make an informed decision and avoid getting scammed. If you’re looking for an investment piece that will appreciate over time, go with the highest quality stone possible.

Suggested Read: Significance of Indian Jewellery