What are the Differences Between Zambian Emerald vs Colombian Emerald?

Brahma Gems
5 min readMar 9, 2023

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Since time unknown, an astrological gemstone that is found to be available in various hues, forms, and sizes is a popular accessory among individuals. They are believed to possess extraordinary abilities. Like other gemstones, the emerald green stone is a favorite astrological stone that exudes elegance as sparkling jewelry.

This rare luxurious gemstone, which is the May birthstone, has magnetic properties. It supports the planet Mercury which aids in better decision-making by sharpening the wearer’s cognitive faculties. This magnificent green gemstone is renowned for bringing success in employment, business, creative and intellectual endeavors. For certified gemstones in India, you should only rely on a trusted shop like Brahma Gems. Emeralds can be found worldwide but emeralds in each place offer unique beauty and brilliance.

Types of Emeralds — The Ultimate Guide

Emerald is a variety of the mineral beryl, known for its green color. There are several types of emeralds, based on factors such as origin, quality, and treatment methods. Here is a guide to the different types of emerald green stone:

  1. Natural Emeralds: These are emeralds that have not been treated in any way and are found in their natural state.
  2. Treated Emeralds: Treated emeralds have undergone processes such as oiling or resin filling to improve their appearance and make inclusions less noticeable.
  3. Colombian Emeralds: Colombian emeralds are highly prized for their rich green color and are considered some of the finest emeralds in the world. They are sourced from Colombia, and South America.
  4. Zambian Emeralds: Zambian emeralds are known for their clarity and are sourced from Zambia, Africa. They tend to have a lighter, more yellow-green hue compared to Colombian emeralds.
  5. Brazilian Emeralds: Brazilian emeralds are found in Brazil, and South America, and are known for their good clarity and deep green color.
  6. Madagascar Emeralds: Madagascar emeralds are sourced from Madagascar, Africa, and are known for their unique, blue-green hue.
  7. Zambian-Madagascar Hybrid Emeralds: These emeralds are a combination of Zambian and Madagascar emeralds and are known for their unique color and clarity.

Overall, the choice of emerald type will depend on personal preference, emerald stone price, and the specifically certified gemstones in India. When buying emeralds, it is important to be aware of treatments and their impact on the stone’s value.

Differences between Zambian and Colombian Emerald

Among them are the two most beautiful varieties of Emeralds — Colombian and Zambian emeralds. Colombian emeralds are prized for jewelry because of their color and clarity. On the other hand, the Zambian Emerald is a popular choice for jewelry and astrology because of its shimmering blue undertones and emerald stone price. Colombia and Zambia have been considered the largest sources of Emeralds for a long time. However, in Zambian vs Colombian Emerald, Zambian, the second largest producer of emerald green stone, is a strong competitor. The World’s maximum supply of emeralds comes from these two countries. So, people get confused about which one is better.

The value of Colombian emeralds is constant with time. Though Colombian emeralds are known for their perennial monopoly on the market, emeralds are also found in other places like Zambia. A Colombian emerald gemstone price is higher than an emerald sourced from another country. Now, Zambian emeralds are at the top tier because of their stunning color, and clarity, and for being sustainably sourced.

  • Colombian Emeralds

Colombia has been at the forefront as the producer of emeralds for a long time. Colombia produces around 70% to 90% of the total global emerald supply. Colombian emeralds are known for their vivid color and high quality. The three main Colombian emerald mines produce some of the best emeralds. Colombian emeralds have a stunning pure dark leafy green color that comes primarily from the presence of chromium. Colombian emeralds because of their composition tend to have a larger number of inclusions compared to Zambian emeralds.

As these emeralds are made from mainly sedimentary rocks, they have threadlike inclusions. In general, Colombian emeralds are considered more prestigious due to the long emerald mining history of Colombia and the difficulty in cutting it. Because of wrong cutting, there is a high chance that the best part of the stone’s color may get cut. It will cause the lighter color of the gemstone. Cutting Colombian emeralds requires greater expertise that turns in a higher emerald gemstone price.

  • Zambian Emeralds

In past, the supply of Emeralds was plentiful in Zambia. At present, Zambian emeralds meet about 20% of the world’s emerald demands. Over years, the popularity of Zambian emeralds as jewelry and astrological gemstone has begun to increase immensely among consumers because of their quality. Zambian emeralds hold a superb level of clarity than Colombian ones. They also have a desirable vivid green bluish color because of iron.

Surprisingly, Zambian emeralds are more affordable than Colombian stones. Zambian emeralds are currently a great option for a stunning emerald at a lower price than a Colombian one. Also, Zambian emeralds have better clarity and stunning color compared to any Colombian stone. But, Colombian emeralds have a greater reputation and a long history. Yet, they are the most desirable type of emeralds.

Colombian vs. Zambian — Which to Buy?

In terms of properties, Zambian and Colombian emeralds both are similar. They have the same degree of hardness on the Mohs scale. They are both varieties of the mineral beryl, but there are some differences in their quality, color, and price.

  • Color: Colombian emeralds are known for their rich green color, while Zambian emeralds can have a slightly lighter, more yellow-green hue, sometimes a touch of blue.
  • Clarity: Colombian emeralds tend to have more inclusions and visible flaws, while Zambian emeralds are known for their clarity and have fewer inclusions.
  • Price: Colombian emerald stone price is generally more expensive due to its high demand and reputation for high quality. Zambian emeralds, on the other hand, can offer good value for the money.

Conclusion

Both Zambian and Colombian emeralds can be beautiful, but the choice between them as astrological gemstone may depend on personal preference and emerald gemstone price. To purchase a natural and genuine emerald, check out the range of natural, mainly untreated gemstones at Brahma Gems. For more budget-friendly certified gemstones in India, check out their collection.

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Brahma Gems
Brahma Gems

Written by Brahma Gems

A house of gemstones offering you a wide variety of precious and semi precious gemstones certified by gemstone labs.

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