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Emeralds are precious gemstones that belong to the beryl mineral family and are a silicate of beryllium and aluminum. These gems have been the oldest for almost 4,000 years. They are better known for their mystical properties and a famous jewelry stone. Historically, Panna Ratna (Hindi name for emerald) was believed to have significance in many cultures. They were considered the epitome of wealth and power. These were known to be gemstones of fertility and immortality. Earlier, these gems were obtained from Egyptian mines and were favorites of kings and queens. After the exhaustion of these mines, more places of origin evolved with time. Today, the best emeralds come from Colombia.
The country mines and produces most of these green gemstones for the international market, the most sought-after gems globally. According to estimates, Colombia is between 70 and 90 percent of the global panna stone market. Although commercial-grade panna are common, acceptable and extra-fine quality authentic Colombian gems are scarce. It is said that Colombian emeralds with high carat weight, good clarity and color are more valuable than diamonds. The discovery might be new, but the significance of these gems has been widespread since historical times. This blog provides information for the same:
Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century found stunning green gems in Colombia. These stones were mined in the Muzo and Chivor mines. The incredible color and high clarity captivated the Spanish conquerors, and realizing its value, they transported them back to Europe. These Colombian stones were considered lucky as they emerged as the power and wealth of the country. They were incorporated into the crowns and jewels of the kings and queens, showcasing their status. These were highly precious gems of that time and were gifted to the dignitaries. The fascination grew with time; even today, panna stone significance is not limited to high-end jewelry.
Colombia is known for emeralds; the treasured mines are Muzo, Coscuez, and Chivor. The Muzo Mine, located northwest of Bogota, is Colombia's most well-known deposit. It produces deep-green gems of excellent quality. Another deposit in the Chivor mine is situated to the northeast of Bogota. There is a difference between the two in terms of color and clarity. Muzo is the oldest mine, with a darker green hue than those obtained from Chivor mines. Gems from Muzo display a vivid green hue and have high clarity compared to other sourced stones. Chivor stones feature a bright green color with a blue tinge. Fewer inclusions are visible. The Colombian emerald color chart ranges from light to dark green. The best panna color is vivid green with a slight tinge of blue. This unique hue is due to its chemical composition. Trace element chromium gives the stone a bright green color. The intensity of this element is the more spectacular the color.
Emerald significance in various cultures has been profound. In Vedic astrology, Panna Ratna is ruled by the planet Mercury. Also known as Budh Graha, its strong positioning in the horoscope offers individuals success, wealth, and good fortune. Astrologers suggest that to make Mercury strong, a person wears natural emeralds. The Colombian panna is an effective stone in astrology. This is because it features a vivid green color and high clarity, a prerequisite for gaining maximum astrological benefits. Gemstones exhibiting these characteristics allow a continuous flow of energy. So, more positive energy is absorbed and transmitted by the stone. Wearing a pure green emerald stone from this region activates the heart chakra, inducing feelings of love and empathy in the wearer.
How much is emerald worth? It depends upon the 4 C's and the gem's origin. If the origin of these gems is Colombia, they are considered top quality. Let's see what other factors influence the price:
Inclusions are one of the main factors that help identify Panna stones. These imperfections are familiar to them and have been present since their formation. Holding the gem in front of a source light or a magnifying lens helps you look for inclusions to aid you in identifying the fakes. However, gems without inclusions are rare and priced relatively higher.
Emeralds from different regions typically have varying amounts of the same components, which causes color diversity. Colombian Panna are considered more expensive as they show a pure green color. This color is due to the presence of trace elements called chromium. The iron elements give the stone a bluish tinge, giving it a distinct look. They have high saturation and medium tone, making them more desirable.
Those obtained from Brazil are slightly lower in tone and saturation than Colombian stones, which are somewhat darker and comparatively more saturated. You may read about the different sources of this green gem in our previous article Different Origins of (Panna) Emerald Stone.
Higher carat stones from this region are rare, which accounts for higher prices. Colombian Panna 7 Ratti, with its high clarity, refined color, and fine cut, is more expensive than smaller Ratti stones.
A precise cut adds value to the gem because it enhances the stone's visual appearance. Panna Ratna from Colombia looks great in every cut, provided each side is given a symmetrical finish.
It's essential to get gemstones from reliable sellers who have them certified and tested for authenticity by labs and renowned organizations. You can find the best quality certified stones at Navratan, the online gem bazaar, a verified and certified merchant that deals with high-quality and laboratory-tested gemstones. You can get the most beautiful and distinctive gemstones here at affordable prices. To conclude, the historical significance of Colombian panna can be traced back to ancient times, but they are still valued in terms of investment, high-end jewelry, and more.
