Editor’s Note
This article reports on the discovery of a remarkable 1.1-kilogram emerald in Zambia, known as the “Lion Emerald.” The exceptionally large and vivid green gemstone is slated for auction.
Geologists have discovered a large emerald in Zambia. The gemstone weighs more than one kilogram, is brilliantly green, and is set to be auctioned.
A 1.1-kilogram emerald has been found in Zambia. The company Gemfields announced that the brilliant green crystal, weighing 5655 carats, was discovered by geologists at the Kagem mine in the central Copperbelt province.
The crystal will be sold at an auction in Singapore in November. Gemfields did not estimate the value of the gemstone. It was stated 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. Gemfields estimates that only about 24 emeralds worldwide have been given names so far, most of them weighing less than a thousand carats.
According to Gemfields, the mine where the “Lion Emerald” was found is 75 percent owned by the company and 25 percent by the Zambian government. It is reportedly the world’s largest emerald mine.