Colombian Emeralds
EMERALD
Colombia (South America)
Gemstone Marketing Trade Term: "Colombian"
Geography: Hydrothermal/ Metamorphic (Low-Iron)
Crystal Structure: Hexagonal
Composition: Gem Species Beryl (Be₃Al₂Si₆O₁₈) + Chromium, Vanadium, Iron Trace Elements
Beryl is typically colorless. The Trace Elements render certain colors in the mineral.
The Chromium and Vanadium elements work together to give off radiant greens. Iron creates blue and yellow colors in Beryl; or secondary colors in an otherwise Green Emerald. Colombian Emeralds can display a vivid green color like no other Emerald because of its low Iron content.
Puerto Arturo Mine, Muzo, between Medellin and Bogota Colombia; Colombian Mining Geography is high above sea level; covered in jungle and rainforest
The Spanish Conquistadors gained control of the early mines in South America and began exporting Emeralds to Europe and other countries overseas. The Colombian Emerald is the most prized Emerald for the rarity of low Iron content and market demand. It commands the highest premium for origin in the entire Beryl gem species.
As well as high heat and humidity, the Colombian mines are also filled with organic gases like Carbon Dioxide.
A tunnel containing hydrothermal calcite veins in Black Shale
Ramp mining processes are widely used in the extraction of Colombian Emeralds. Shafts and tunnels are made downward into the earth's crust through the mountain side. More tunneling is executed from the main line through the carbonaceous black shale. The Emerald is collected from white calcite veins along the shale.
Bogota is the capital of Colombia and home to the Emerald Trade Center. Most of the business transpires in and around the area.
Inclusions & Clarity Characteristics
Emeralds are typically full of inclusions and consist of crystals, fractures, needles, fingerprints, growth tubes, liquid, two- and three-phase inclusions.
In Emeralds, fractures and phase inclusions are the most common features. Below are some examples of what a Colombian Emerald may contain.
Commonly seen fractures, fluid, and phase inclusions throughout
Three-Phase Emerald Inclusion:
consisting of a liquid, gas, and crystal
If the Emerald is free of inclusions, the gemstone should be submitted to GIA for a chemical analysis with further instruments for testing origin and clarity enhancements. Emeralds are classified as type III in clarity, meaning it commonly forms with inclusions. These characteristics can identify where the mineral was mined.
Some sellers are dishonest and have been known to submit an Emerald to GIA without any Clarity Enhancements. They can treat them after the fact and sell them without disclosure; fraudulently using the GIA report as confirmation.
