In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of List of emeralds by size and everything that this concept can encompass. From its origins to its impact on today's society, List of emeralds by size has been the subject of debate, study and reflection throughout history. Throughout the pages of this article, we will delve into the many facets of List of emeralds by size, analyzing its relevance in different contexts and its influence on our lives. With a critical and reflective eye, we will examine the role that List of emeralds by size plays in our modern society and how it has evolved over time. Get ready to embark on a fascinating journey through List of emeralds by size and discover everything this concept has to offer.
This is a list of emeralds by size.
Emerald is a gemstone and a variety of the mineral beryl (Be3Al2(SiO3)6) colored green by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. [1] Beryl has a hardness of 7.5–8 on the Mohs scale.[1] Most emeralds are highly included,[2] so their toughness (resistance to breakage) is classified as generally poor. Emerald is a cyclosilicate.
Emeralds in antiquity were mined in Egypt at locations on Mount Smaragdus since 1500 BCE, and India, and Austria since at least the 14th century CE.[3] The Egyptian mines were exploited on an industrial scale by the Roman and Byzantine Empires, and later by Islamic conquerors. Mining ceased with the discovery of the Colombian deposits; only ruins remain.[4]
Colombia is historically an important producer of emeralds, constituting 50–95% of the world production, with the number depending on the year, source and grade.[5][6][7][8] Emerald production in Colombia has increased drastically in the last decade, increasing by 78% from 2000 to 2010.[9] The three main emerald mining areas in Colombia are Muzo, Coscuez, and Chivor.[10] Rare "trapiche" emeralds are found in Colombia, distinguished by ray-like spokes of dark impurities.
Zambia is the world's second biggest producer, with Kagem mine being the world's largest emerald mine[11] responsible for 25–30% of the world's production of gem-quality stones.[12] In 2019 Kagem emerald mine produced 42.4 million carats of emeralds.[13] The Zambian emerald sector is an important contributor of tax revenue to the Government.
Zambian emeralds were formed over 500 million years ago, they are geologically much older than emeralds from other origins. As a result, they differ in their formation, composition and key features. Zambian emeralds get their intense green colour from the presence of chromium, iron and beryllium, and they are often lacking in vanadium, resulting in a bluish-green, lively and often eye-clean emerald.
Emerald | Origin | Date | Uncut size | Cut size | Location | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chipembele emerald | Zambia | 2021 | 7,525 carats (1,505.0 g) | Israel Diamond Exchange, Eshed – Gemstar | [14][15][16] | |
Inkalamu emerald | Zambia | 2018 | 5,655 carats (1,131.0 g) | Private Collector | [17] | |
Insofu emerald | Zambia | 2010 | 6,255 carats (1,251.0 g) | Jewellery brand | [18] | |
Bahia Emerald | Brazil | 2001 | 180,000 carats (36,000 g)[a] | Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department | [19][20] | |
Carolina Emperor | United States | 2009 | 310 carats (62 g) | 64.8 carats (12.96 g) | North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh | [21][22] |
Chalk Emerald | Colombia | 38.40 carats (7.680 g) | 37.82 carats (7.564 g) | National Museum of Natural History, Washington | ||
Duke of Devonshire Emerald | Colombia | >1831 | 1,383.93 carats (276.786 g) | Natural History Museum, London | ||
Emerald of Saint Louis | Austria[b] | 51.60 carats (10.320 g) | National Museum of Natural History, Paris | |||
Gachalá Emerald | Colombia | 1967 | 858 carats (171.6 g) | National Museum of Natural History, Washington | [23] | |
Mogul Mughal Emerald | Colombia | 1107 A.H.[c] | 217.80 carats (43.560 g) | Museum of Islamic Art, Doha, Qatar | ||
Patricia Emerald | Colombia | 1920 | 632 carats (126.4 g)[d] | American Museum of Natural History, New York | [24] | |
Mim Emerald | Colombia | 2014 | 1,390 carats (278 g)[e] | Mim Museum, Beirut | [25] |
Notes
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References