Editor’s Note
This article reports the discovery of a remarkable 5,655-carat emerald in Zambia, highlighting its significance in the gemstone industry.
A giant emerald weighing more than one kilogram has been discovered in Zambia. The bright green crystal, weighing 5,655 carats, was found by geologists at the Kagem mine in the central Copperbelt province, according to the company Gemfields.
The crystal will be sold at an auction in Singapore in November. Gemfields did not estimate the value of the gemstone, stating that prices for emeralds are very difficult to predict compared to diamonds. The company announced that ten percent of the proceeds will benefit two wildlife conservation organizations with which Gemfields collaborates in Zambia.
The gemstone has been named the “Lion Emerald.” According to Gemfields, uncut emeralds are only named in extremely rare cases—when they are particularly unique. The company estimates that only about 24 emeralds worldwide have been given names to date, most of them weighing less than 1,000 carats.
The mine where the “Lion Emerald” was found is, according to Gemfields, 75 percent owned by the company and 25 percent by the Zambian government. It is the world’s largest emerald mine.