Emeralds from Colombia
Why Emeralds from Colombia are the World’s Best
Color is the most important characteristic of emeralds, and Colombian emeralds are noted for their best quality color.
Colombia’s emerald mines have a unique geological advantage over emeralds found elsewhere in the world. Colombian emeralds' beautiful and distinctive green color is caused by atoms of chromium in their chemical composition. This is different from other emeralds in which the coloring agent is vanadium or iron. A second important difference contributing to Colombian emeralds' amazing color is their unique host stone. Colombian emeralds are the only ones whose host stone contains pyrite in addition to dolomite and calcite which make up other emeralds' host stones. Since pyrite is a ferrous mineral, it absorbs all the iron atoms from the emeralds' chemical composition, thus sparing them a off-greenish tint that iron causes in emeralds from other sources. The resulting natural chemical combination gives Colombian emeralds their incredible, much-prized intense green color.
What are Rough Emeralds
All emeralds grow as hexagonal crystals, blooming outward from host stones. This natural state of geometric perfection is highly valued. When two or amazingly three crystals grow together, they form a macle, which is considered a collector’s specimen.
A macle or unique double rough emerald crystals are embraced by sapphire and emerald pavé. Pendant is set in 925 silver
A macle or unique double rough emerald crystals are embraced by sapphire and emerald pavé. Ring is set in 925 silver
When emeralds are crushed inadvertently in the mining process, rough emeralds are transformed into a compacted, organic form.
Rough emerald cufflinks with emerald pavé backings
A rough emerald from Colombia is encircled by a wave of aquamarine and emerald pavé. Ring is set in 925 silver
Chinese legend about emeralds
Chinese gemstone legend states that the emerald is the “gemstone of truth” and if your heart deserves it, then the emerald will help you find the eternal truth. Emeralds are also considered great natural antidepressants that will increase mental clarity and perception. Colombians, too, think emeralds will give their owners mental clarity.