Emerald, or Burkat in Hebrew, is one of the most beautiful and fascinating gemstones in the world, known for its deep and majestic green color. The name “emerald” is derived from the Greek word “Smaragdus” meaning “green”, which suggests its main characteristic – a rich and magnificent green hue. This stone belongs to the beryl mineral family and gets its unique color from the presence of chromium or vanadium within its chemical structure.
Emerald is considered one of the four most valuable and important gemstones, along with diamond, sapphire and ruby. The quality of an emerald is determined by four main factors: color, clarity, cut and weight (equivalent to the 4Cs in the diamond world). Color is considered the most critical component in the value of the stone, with the darkest and richest green shades, without yellow or brown tones, being the rarest and most valuable.
The Finest Emeralds
Unlike other gemstones, small imperfections within the emerald are considered an acceptable phenomenon. Almost every emerald stone contains “inclusions”, which are natural internal flaws that are created during its formation. The inclusions are created during the crystallization process of the stone in nature, when various minerals, gas bubbles, or tiny fragments are trapped within the emerging material. In fact, these flaws are called the “garden of the emerald” and give it its unique character, which distinguishes each stone from its neighbors. However, the clearer and more flawless the stone is and the more it is, the higher its value will be.
The finest emeralds originate in Colombia, which is considered one of the historical and main centers for the mining of these stones. In addition, additional sources can be found in countries such as Brazil, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Throughout history, the emerald has been used as a symbol of wealth, royalty, and eternal life. The ancient Egyptians believed in its power to protect against evil and even buried the dead with emeralds as a sign of protection in the afterlife.
Bahia Emerald
The largest emerald in the world known today is the ‘Bahia Emerald’. It is an extraordinary stone, estimated to weigh 341 kg, or 1.9 million carats. The Bahia Emerald was discovered in the state of Bahia, Brazil, in 2001. It is not a single gemstone but a large block containing a number of enormous emerald crystals trapped within their mother rock. The main attraction in the block are the prominent crystals that gave the stone its uniqueness and immense value.
Despite its impressive size and history, the stone is involved in many legal disputes regarding its ownership. Over the years, it has been transferred between different owners and even stolen. Today, it is stored in a safe place in the United States.
The monetary value of the Bahia Emerald is disputed, but some estimates put it at hundreds of millions of dollars, depending on the market and the appraisers. Beyond its economic value, the stone is considered one of the most impressive natural treasures ever discovered in the world.
Today, the emerald is used primarily in luxury jewelry such as emerald rings, emerald necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Its timeless beauty and connection to nature and power have made it a favorite stone of kings, queens, and jewelry designers. With its mesmerizing green hue and great uniqueness, the emerald remains one of the most beloved and coveted gemstones in the world.