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Emeralds (aka Panna) are among the most beautiful and powerful gems in the world. Symbolizing growth and rejuvenation, their dark green hue gives a sense of royalty mixed with calmness and dewiness. Although these stones are found in various parts of the world, two of the most recognized and infamous locations are the Panjshir Valley of Afghanistan and Colombia.
These two sources are known to produce high-quality and fine emeralds. So, Panjshir vs colombian emerald which is better? Which one you should go for?
In this blog, we will discuss the details of both of these emeralds, from their colour and rarity to price and value. After you have read all the details, you can decide which one to buy according to your preferences.
Colombian Emeralds are the most famous type of Emeralds in the world. Colombia have been the world’s leading producer of these gems. The mines of Colombia were exploited commercially in the 16th century.
The gems found here are often of good color and fine clarity. They are a great combination of different sizes as well.
The most famous and historic emerald mines in the world are the Muzo and Chivor mines in Colombia. The area is called the Eastern and Western Emerald Belt in Bogota city. Muzo emeralds are especially in demand because of their exceptional dark green hue and premium quality.
Emerald stone from Colombia are the finest emeralds in the world.
Next in line as the best source of emeralds comes the Panjshir Valley of Afghanistan. Emeralds found here are generally called Panjshir emeralds, although sometimes they are also referred to as Afghan Emeralds. The gems found here are often very similar to that of Colombian emeralds in appearance, although these crystals are long and thin in shape, and so are called Pencil Emeralds.
The mines in the Panjshir Valley are risky and very difficult to access since they are in mountainous areas at an altitude of 2000 to 4000 m.
Colombian emeralds have an intense pure green hue and warmer shades with striking hues like yellowish green or bluish green. Plus, the color distribution is even.
On the other hand, Panjshir emeralds often have a more rich and more saturated green, but their color distribution is less uniform.
To compare, the shades of gems of Colombia are livelier and lighter, while the ones from Panjshir have a more distinctive and balanced bluish-green color.
Clarity is the absence and presence of inclusions in gemstones. Fewer inclusions mean a clearer gem. However, flaws or inclusions are very common in gemstones. Colombian and Panjshir Panna stones have good clarity; they often have few inclusions and are loved for their fine clarity.
But the inclusions they have vary so that they can be distinguished -
Colombian emeralds are geologically unique. They often have jagged or zig-zag multi-phase inclusions, black shale fragments, or crystal fragments.
Panjshir emeralds often have three-phase inclusions, growth structures, or distinct hexagonal growth zoning.
The value of a gemstone depends highly on the 4Cs (Cut, color, clarity, and carat weight), origin, and treatment processes. You can read the complete price guide here - Emerald Stone Price Guide.
Since the colombian Panna is more in demand because of its unparalleled beauty, it is more often costly than the Panjshir ones. Panjshhir emerald stones are more expensive when the gem is scarce in quality, color, and size.
Panjshir Emerald price per carat ranges between INR 3,500 to INR 40,000 and upto 10 Lakhs per carat.
Colombian Emerald stone price per carat ranges between INR 10,000 to INR 5 lakhs.
Panjshir emeralds are rarer than Colombians. There is an abundance of Colombian Panna in the market, and they are more easily accessible. Colombia has a long history of extraction, plus the range of mining areas is vast as well. The sources are widespread and easily available.
On the other hand, Panshir Valley has recently emerged as a source of Panna stone. However, it is extremely difficult to access these deposits as they are located at high altitudes, and their supply is limited.
Both Colombia and Panjshir are excellent sources of emerald gemstones, known for their distinctiveness in colour, clarity, rarity, and value. Because of the different geological conditions, the formation of the gems differs and gives them a distinct color and clarity. Above, we have mentioned both of these two origins and the gems found here so that you can make a decision based on your preference for color, clarity, and budget. If you want the best stone, then Colombian Panna is perfect, but if they are not falling under your budget, then you can go for Panjshir.
Also, if you want a long and thin gem instead of a larger size, you should choose Panjshir Panna.
Either way, make sure you are buying an original gem. To ensure authenticity, get a lab-certified Panna stone from a trustable source like Navratan, the online gem bazaar.
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