Emerald on Quartz
Kagem Emerald Mine,
Kafubu Area, Zambia
8 cm wide x 7 cm tall
These emeralds were unearthed in Zambia by Gemfields in 2009 (https://gemfields.com/about/about-gemfields/). This small group are the finest examples of Zambian emerald specimens ever discovered. The miners brought out several large quartz boulders with emerald crystals inside as inclusions. Each piece was professionally etched out of the encasing quartz producing these rare matrix emeralds. This was the most exceptional example in its size. It has a large single crystal of the finest color with a large section of transparent facet quality emerald. What is particularly significant about Zambian emeralds is the distinct bluish-green coloration due to their high iron content. Zambian emeralds are also the oldest on earth at 500 million years old.
The emerald crystals are bright green and are embedded within a contrasting translucent white quartz matrix. The crystals vary in size and orientation, with one prominent vertical crystal at the center, surrounded by smaller crystals jutting out at different angles. The play of light on the surface creates a lustrous shine, highlighting the clarity and elegance of the emeralds against the rough texture of the white quartz. The overall composition showcases the natural beauty and intricacy of mineral formations.
ADDENDUM: It has been brought to our attention that Zambian emeralds are the second oldest on Earth. A research study published in 2024 showed that emeralds from South Africa are the oldest at 2.8 billion years old. We would like to thank Raquel Alonso-Perez, PhD, FGA, Curatrix- Mineralogical & Geological Museum, Harvard University, for providing us with this information.
*one professional repair