Emeralds are some of the most popular gemstones in the world, prized for their stunning green colour and rarity. However, not all emeralds are created equal, and two of the most sought-after varieties are the Zambian and Colombian emeralds. Both are known for their exceptional quality and beauty, but they have distinct differences that make them unique. In this article, we will explore the differences and similarities between Zambian Vs Colombian emeralds to help you determine which one is right for you.
Zambian Emeralds
The emerald stone from Zambia are of the best quality. Zambia typically has a deeper, more saturated green colour. One of the most important geological discoveries of the modern era has been the discovery of emeralds from Zambia. Zambia is situated in Southern Africa, a region famous for its gemstones. Large-scale emerald mining in Zambia started around 1976. Emeralds from no other place on Earth have ever been able to offer such dependable quality.
Like all other emeralds, emeralds from Zambia were formed from a unique mixture of minerals, including beryllium, chromium, and vanadium. In other words, emeralds were created millions of years ago when metamorphic rock and granite impacted one another. Natural emeralds from Zambia are tougher than those from other countries, with Mohs hardness ratings ranging from 7.5 to 8. This places them just behind diamonds, which have a perfect 10 rating on the Mohs scale, and stones like rubies and sapphires, both of which have a Mohs scale rating of 9. Emeralds from Zambia are also less brittle and porous than those from other countries. The emeralds from Zambia are truly magnificent.
Colombian Emeralds
Colombian emerald, is well-known for its exceptional clarity and vibrant, rich green colour. This extremely rare and valuable gemstone is a range of intense lush green to a softer bluish-green shade. The finest and most expensive type of emerald gemstones on earth are Colombian emeralds, which are mined there. Colombia, a nation in South America, has produced some of the most expensive and premium quality emeralds on the world market for more than 4,000 years.
Emeralds are mainly produced in Colombia. It is renowned for its intense and mysterious emerald mines, which produce between 60 and 95 per cent of the world’s emeralds. The production of emeralds in Colombia has dramatically increased by about 75% over the past ten years, from 2000 to 2010. The iron content of Colombian emeralds is lower than that of Brazil and Zambia, among other nations. These emeralds are more expensive because they have fewer imperfections and fractions in them. The cost of a Colombian emerald per carat can range from $60 to $10,000 or even more. The best of them can sell for as much as US$150k per carat.
Differences Between Zambian Vs Colombian Emerald
| Zambian Emeralds | Colombian Emeralds |
| Colour: The emeralds from Zambia are darker and more blue. It appears to be deep green or bluish green. Iron traces are what give colour its distinctive bluish undertone and high saturation. A bluish undertone and oversaturation detract from the image’s higher general quality. | Colour: It is said that Colombian emeralds have a purer, warmer green colour. The best rough emeralds are thought to come from Colombia. These emeralds are a richer, more vibrant shade of pure green. Due to their rarity in nature, deep green emeralds are highly prized and sought after. Comparatively speaking to other emeralds, Colombian emeralds typically contain more trace amounts of chromium, known as inclusion, which gives them the typically desired pure, bright, saturated green. Both their vivid saturation and impressive colour stand out. |
| Price: Compared to Colombian emeralds, Zambian emeralds are less expensive, with gem-quality stones costing up to USD$30,000 per carat. | Price: On the Mohs scale, Colombian emeralds range from 7 to 7.5 in hardness. Depending on the colour and degree of clarity, emeralds from this South American nation can cost up to $100,000 per carat. |
| Inclusions: Compared to other types of emeralds, Zambian emeralds contain fewer eye-clean inclusions. Because of this, you need to search for an emerald from Zambia with few to no inclusions. However, it is nearly impossible to find emeralds without any obvious inclusions, even ones from Zambia. | Inclusions: A jagged multiphase inclusion that contained a gas bubble and one or more cubic crystals was the most frequent inclusion in Colombian Panna stones. The gas bubble in these stones was typically no larger than the associated cubic crystal and no larger than the inclusion as a whole. |
| Clarity: Gemstones from Zambia are regarded as a good option because they are “eye-clean,” or well almost completely clear to the naked eye. Natural Emeralds do contain inclusions, and the most common ones are crystal or feathers. | Clarity: Colombian emeralds are completely untreated and only have minor inclusions. Colombian emeralds have more inclusions than Zambian emeralds. |
| Benefits: It enhances intelligence, creativity, and finances. Therefore, it is believed that carrying a lovely, authentic Zambian Panna stone is good for one’s memory, creative thinking, and information growth. It makes it possible to overcome mental health issues like anxiety, fear, and depression | Benefits: The Colombian emerald gemstone is thought to be quite effective at enhancing the wearer’s memory, ability to be curious, and innovative instincts because it is connected to mercury, the planet of intelligence. Wearing a genuine Colombian emerald stone helps people who struggle with speech-related issues and scattered self-confidence. |
Also Check: – Dazzling Panna Stone Benefits
