Dark green emerald is a variety of the gemstone emerald that exhibits a deep, rich green color. Emeralds get their color from traces of chromium and/or vanadium. The more chromium and/or vanadium present, the greener the emerald. Dark green emeralds have higher concentrations of these elements, resulting in their deep green hues.
Emeralds are a form of the mineral beryl that also includes gems like aquamarine and morganite. Natural emeralds form when beryl crystals grow in igneous or metamorphic rock. Emeralds are rare and valuable gemstones that have been prized for centuries. The deep green color of dark green emeralds is particularly desirable.
What Causes the Dark Green Color?
As mentioned, the green color of emeralds comes from trace amounts of chromium and/or vanadium. These elements cause the absorption of yellow-orange and blue wavelengths of light, allowing green wavelengths to be transmitted and reflected back to the eye.
The more chromium and vanadium present, the greater the absorption of non-green wavelengths. This results in a deeper, more saturated green color. Dark green emeralds have higher concentrations of chromium and/or vanadium, giving them their signature rich green hue.
Where are Dark Green Emeralds Found?
Emeralds are found in a limited number of locations around the world. Here are some of the top sources of dark green emeralds:
Colombia
Colombia is renowned for producing high-quality emeralds, many of which are prized for their dark green color. Three main districts produce emeralds in Colombia:
| Muzo | Known for fine, dark stones with bluish-green hues |
| Coscuez | Yields lighter and darker green emeralds |
| Chivor | Produces vibrant green emeralds with high clarity |
The emerald mines of Colombia have been exploited since pre-Columbian times and continue yielding significant quantities of fine stones.
Zambia
Zambia’s Kafubu emerald mines opened in the 1970s and have steadily produced high-quality emeralds. The stones from Zambia tend to have very deep, dark green color and high clarity. Some of the world’s finest dark green emeralds have come from Zambia in recent decades.
Brazil
While many Brazilian emeralds are pale in color, the country does produce emeralds in a wide range of hues, including darker greens. The Itabira and Carnaiba mines have yielded fine dark green Brazilian emeralds.
Other Sources
Emeralds in darker green shades can also be found in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Russia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, and other countries, though these localities are not primarily known for dark material.
How is Color Grade Determined?
The color grading of emeralds is generally determined by eye. Graders assess the hue, tone, and saturation of emeralds and determine where they fall on the color grading scale. Most grading systems use terms like light, medium, and dark to categorize color strength.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) uses the following color grading scale for emeralds, ranging from light to dark tones:
| Very Light | Light | Medium Light | Medium | Medium Dark | Dark | Very Dark |
Stones on the darker end of this scale would be classified as dark green emeralds. Individual labs may use slightly different terminology, but most follow this basic framework.
How Does Color Affect Emerald Value?
In general, emeralds with a strong, rich green color are more valuable than light or pale stones. However, because darker stones also tend to have more flaws and inclusions, valuations take into account not just color but also clarity.
The finest and most valuable emeralds combine a deeply saturated green hue with high clarity and transparency. Such emeralds are rare and command extremely high prices. For commercial or jewelry purposes, darkness of color is weighed along with other factors like clarity, cut quality, and carat weight to determine overall value.
Unique Properties of Dark Green Emeralds
Here are some key properties that set high-quality dark green emeralds apart:
Color Intensity
The best dark green emeralds have a hugely saturated color that glows from within the stone. This vivid green is mesmerizing and draws the eye into the depths of the gem.
Bluish Undertones
Many fine dark emeralds have a bluish undertone, or secondary hue, that adds character and visual interest. These stones may appear greener or bluer depending on lighting conditions.
Loupe Clean Clarity
While inclusions are expected, the finest dark emeralds are “loupe clean,” meaning no flaws are visible under 10x magnification. This degree of clarity is rare in emerald.
Immense Durability
With a hardness of 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale, dark green emeralds, like all emeralds, are highly durable gems that can be worn everyday without damage. Their toughness allows them to be bezel set and worn in rings or bracelets.
Famous Dark Green Emeralds
Some of history’s most renowned emeralds have featured the iconic dark green color. Here are four of the most famous dark green emeralds:
The Moghul Emerald
This carved hexagonal emerald from India weighs over 217 carats. It is one of the largest and finest dark green emeralds known, inscribed with ancient Persian calligraphy. It is currently part of the Iranian Crown Jewels.
The Duke of Devonshire Emerald
Weighing 1,383.95 carats, this historic Colombian emerald crystal is uncut. It has been set into jewelry and passed down through English noble families for centuries.
The Mackay Emerald
This dark green cabochon-cut emerald weighs 168 carats. Mined in Colombia, it was long displayed at the Smithsonian before being donated to the National Museum of Natural History.
The Chalk Emerald
This 37.82-carat emerald was originally set in a historic emerald and diamond necklace owned by fashion icon Mary Chalk. It was recut in the 1920s and sold at auction in 2020 for over $4 million.
Are Dark Green Emeralds More Expensive?
Yes, dark green emeralds are generally more expensive per carat than lighter emeralds, assuming equivalent clarity. The rich color commands higher prices and is more desirable to buyers. However, because color is not the only factor impacting value, individual stone prices depend on the overall quality.
In wholesale pricing, rough estimates of price ranges for various emerald colors are:
| Very Light Green | $50-$300 per carat |
| Light Green | $300-$1,000 per carat |
| Medium Green | $1,000-$5,000 per carat |
| Dark Green | $5,000-$15,000 per carat |
| Very Dark Green | Over $15,000 per carat |
Retail emerald prices span an even wider range depending on the individual gem’s qualities. Top dark green emeralds can command over $100,000 per carat.
How to Choose a Dark Green Emerald
When selecting a dark green emerald, it’s essential to pay attention to more than just color. Here are tips for choosing one:
– Examine clarity closely under magnification to check for inclusions.
– Look for a lively surface luster that flashes different shades of green.
– Ensure the stone has fine cutting proportions to maximize brilliance.
– Review any gemological lab certificates from reputable grading labs.
– Only buy from trusted emerald dealers with fair pricing and policies.
– For important stones, insist on natural emeralds, not synthetics or imitations.
– Choose the emerald in person if possible so you can see true color.
With attention to all factors, you can select a beautiful, high-quality dark green emerald you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
Conclusion
Dark green emeralds are some of the most precious and coveted gems in the world. Their deep verdant colors have fascinated people since ancient times. These rare emeralds acquire their signature hues from high concentrations of chromium and vanadium. Colombia, Zambia, and Brazil are leading sources of dark green emeralds. When combined with fine clarity, these vivid emeralds are unmatched in their beauty and value. With proper selection, dark green emeralds make exceptional jewelry stones that will be treasured and passed down for generations.