Zambian Emeralds

Emeralds are one of the most prized and rare gemstones of all time. These precious green gems formed millions of years ago, under unique circumstances. Yet, the first known emerald stones were mined in Egypt during 1500 BC. Many mining locations worldwide, yet only some produce the finest emeralds.

Zambian emeralds are one of the greatest gemological discoveries of modern times. Zambia is the second largest producer of gem-grade emeralds worldwide, after Colombia. No place on earth has been able to deliver such consistent gem quality. Furthermore, the discovery of the Zambian variety shaped the emerald industry in considerable ways.

One of the notable international companies, Gemfields, acquired an open pit mine at Kagem. It is now considered the world's largest emerald mine, supplying 1 in 4 of the world's emeralds. Gemfields claimed Kagem mines in 2008 and 75% of the ownership belongs to it. This May birthstone changed the face of Zambia, bringing in a great deal of wealth.

Zambian Emeralds: The Formation and Discovery

To understand how Zambian emeralds form, we need to know how emeralds form. Emerald comes from the beryl mineral family. It is a beryllium aluminum cyclosilicate (Be3, Al2, SiO3)6). In its purest form, it would make a gemstone known as Goshenite. But for the emerald to be green, it needs impurities.

Usually, trace elements such as chromium or vanadium give this gem its green color. But in the case of Zambian emeralds, there is the presence of iron too. Iron is what gives Zambian Panna its unique and rich bluish-green color. Plus, the chemical composition required for emerald gemstones to form is rare.

Beryllium materializes rarely in the earth's crust, which is around 2 to 6 parts per million. Besides, it usually does not occur in the same place as vanadium or chromium. This is what makes emerald gemstones so rare and special. Not only is this gem's beauty magnificent but so is its geological formation.

Did you know? Zambian emeralds formed in the depths of the earth over 500 million years ago. Yet, humans came to know about their existence in the 1920s. There was no real interest in mining this precious treasure until the 1970s to 1980s. With further advancement in Panna prospecting and its mining techniques, mining rushed.

With the surge in mining practices, other issues also began rising. Many illegal mining activities started taking place in severity. These activities included individual operations and not cleaning up the site after mining. Besides, the jump in mining practices gave rise to forced mining labor.

In response to severe illegal mining, emerald-rich areas were all restricted. Apart from that, the people residing in those areas were also relocated.

Emerald Mining in Zambia

Zambian emeralds are a great deal for Zambia. As a result, the national government continues to develop and regulate these mines. International company, Gemfields, claims 75% of the world's largest emerald mine - Kagem. Kagem mines fall on the southern part of Zambia's copper belt.

This mine lies in the heart of Ndola Rural Emerald Restricted Area, a mineral-rich province. Since mining liberalization in the 1990s, Zambia emerged as a valuable emerald producer. International companies have partnered with the Government of the Republic of Zambia. This has helped stabilize and standardize emerald supply across the globe.

All these reforms have transformed mining and the communities that surround it.

What Makes Zambian Emeralds So Unique?

Colombian emeralds have always been at the forefront. Nonetheless, Zambian emeralds are becoming more and more popular in recent years. One of the major reasons for this is their unique appearance and high quality. They offer unique color, clarity, size, and overall quality compared to their counterparts.

Here are the features that make Zambian Panna different from other varieties.

• Color: Zambian emerald's color is what sets it apart from its counterparts. The desirable bluish tint in the green comes from the iron present in its crystal structure. Adding blue to the gem's green hue adds further depth to the stone.
• Clarity: These emeralds offer a greater clarity level compared to Colombian ones. This happens because of the lower incidence of "eye-visible inclusions" in the Zambian variety. Inclusions such as noticeable fissures, crystals or liquids are common in emeralds. Zambian ones are clearer and also reflect light better. This further enhances their green hue, making them more appealing.
• Quality: Zambian ones are much stronger than others. They are also less porous and brittle than Panna from other parts of the world. The durability of Zambian emerald stones stems from their origin and formation. They formed millions of years ago when metamorphic came in contact with granite rock. Whereas Colombian Panna occurred in the sedimentary rocks.
• Size: Zambia is famous for producing large emerald gemstones. An enormous 6,225-carat Zambian emerald was unearthed in the Kagem mine in 2010. It was named 'Infosu," which translates to "elephant" in Bemba. This particular Panna Stone formed more than 450 million years ago.

Remember, Zambian Panna Stones are mined in the world's biggest emerald producing mine. This makes it even more special. In 2023, the Kagem mines gem production was a total of 37.2 million carats of emerald and beryl. In this, there were 259,500 carats of premium emeralds.

Market Value of Zambian Emeralds

Zambian emeralds carry a hefty price tag because of their unique color and quality. Yet, their price is affordable compared to Colombian emeralds. The primary reason for this is the history of emerald mining in both countries. The mining of Colombian stones dates back to the 16th century.

Its origin stretches over 500 years. Some historians believe that Colombia's Indigenous people mined it as early as 300 AD. Whereas, Zambian Panna stones were not mined until the 1970s to 1980s. Thus, Zambian gems only cost less than Colombian ones because they do not have as long as history.

Nonetheless, it is an excellent pick for people seeking a more affordable option. Buyers get an extraordinary emerald stone at a reasonable price. Here is a price comparison of Zambian, Colombian and Brazilian emerald for better understanding.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance of Zambian Emeralds

For ages, emeralds have captivated hearts and garnered reverence for their green color. The color often symbolizes growth, vitality, and renewal. Likewise, Zambian emeralds stand out for their ethereal beauty and metaphysical properties. This makes them a favorable gemstone for astrological purposes.

As per Vedic astrology, the Zambian Panna represents Mercury. This powerful planet oversees communication, cognition, intuition, prosperity, and success. The stone resonates with the cosmic energies of Mercury. This makes Panna a wonderful choice for people seeking to improve their mental clarity, oration, spirituality and more.

Benefits of Zambian Emeralds

Zambian Panna offers countless benefits that distinguish it from its counterparts. Some extraordinary benefits of Zambian Panna are as follows:

• Intense Color: Zambian emeralds are popular worldwide for their alluring and intense green hue. Their green is often described as lush, vibrant, and saturated, creating an aesthetic and appealing look. These gemstones also have a bluish tint, making them stand out.
• Excellent Clarity: Zambian Panna exhibits impressive clarity. Such exceptional clarity allows the passing of more light through the gemstone. This further results in amplified hue, brilliance, shine, and sparkle.
• Durability: Emerald stones are durable with a 7.5 to 8 rating on Mohs scale. But Zambian emerald is harder and more durable compared to other emerald varieties. They are also less brittle and porous. It is because of its geological formation where metamorphic and granite rocks combined.
• Design Versatility: Zambian Panna is a great fit for creating regal jewelry pieces. It can add a touch of luxury and class to any ornament it is set into. Be it a ring, necklace, pendant, bracelet or earring, Zambian emerald look stunning in each of them.
• Ethical & Sustainable: Zambian Panna mines are protected and regulated. Mining takes place ethically and sustainably. So, you are not contributing to unethical practices or illegal mining.

Astrological and Healing Benefits

Ancient kings, Mughals, conquerors, and Pharaohs loved Panna Stone alike. Also, the love for emeralds went way beyond their physical appearance. This stone represents the planet Mercury. Wearing it is best for people under its influence. It can help strengthen Mercury's position in your birth chart. Also, it can help manage the ill effects of afflicted Mercury.

Here are some astrological and healing benefits of emerald stone below.

• Enhances oration skills
• Attracts prosperity
• Improves wisdom and intellect
• Boosts creativity
• Promotes marital bliss
• Revitalizes eyes, skin, and nerves
• Offers many physical health benefits

Uses and Applications of Zambian Emeralds

Zambian emeralds have many applications. First, this gem is often used for jewelry making. Such precious gemstones are favorites of jewelry connoisseurs all over the world. We can see the use of Zambian Panna in couture fashion jewelry, often taking the spotlight on red carpet events.

Second, the Zambian Panna holds immense importance in the world of astrology. Gemologists and astrologers revere it for the countless blessings and benefits it offers. Wearing an emerald as an astrological gem can bring life-changing transformations. You are bound to experience prosperity, success, peace, and pure joy.

Finally, Zambian emeralds have excellent investment potential. Considering how rare and sought-after it is, these stone's value is always expected to rise. So, if you look at it as an investment, it is worthwhile. One can never go wrong with buying a Zambian Panna in today's scenario.

How to Care For and Maintain Zambian Emeralds?

Buying a Zambian emerald for whichever purpose is an investment. Keeping this investment appealing for years requires proper care and maintenance. This is crucial to keep up not only the gem's beauty but also its cosmic powers and healing properties. Some essential tips can help you maintain the shine and powers of Panna forever.

The best way to clean Zambian emeralds is with warm, soapy water. In a clean bowl, take some lukewarm water and gentle soap, and stir well to create a soapy solution. Then, take a soft cloth, dip it in the warm soapy solution and clean around the stone.

Once the gem is clean, rinse it with normal water and pat it dry using a soft lint-free cloth. Remember to keep your stone away from heat, avoiding steam or ultrasonic cleaners. Also, never soak your Panna gemstone in solvents such as acetone, alcohol, or paint thinner. This can cause severe damage to your precious stone.

To further protect your Zambian Panna, always store it in a separate box. This is best to prevent scratches, hard knocks, and other damage. You can use a box or pouch with soft velvet lining for storing it. Also, remember to store it in a cool and dry place, away from heat and sunlight.

Why Choose GemsRoot?

Zambian emerald is an exceptional gemstone. This gem is a reservoir of growth, prosperity, peace, love, hope, and new beginnings. As a trusted online brand, GemsRoot offers 100% natural Zambian emeralds at the best prices. Our Zambian Panna is lab-certified, ethical, sustainable, and conflict-free.

Buy original and certified Zambian emeralds with the guidance of gemologists and astrologers. Our experts offer accurate gem advice based on your date of birth, birth chart and Lagna. To know if Zambian emerald stone is lucky for you, contact us today.