The Gachalá Emerald (Photos)
The Gachalá Emerald is one of the most famous and valuable emeralds in the world, named after the town of Gachalá in Colombia, where it was discovered.
Overview
- Name: Gachalá Emerald
- Discovered: 1967
- Location: Gachalá, Cundinamarca Department, Colombia
- Weight: 858 carats
- Current Location: Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., USA
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| The Gachala Emerald, a large, deep green emerald from Colombia, displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. |
Discovery and Origin
The Gachalá Emerald was found in the Vega de San Juan mine, located in the town of Gachalá, about 142 kilometers northeast of Bogotá, Colombia. This region is part of Colombia’s renowned emerald belt, known for producing some of the finest emeralds in the world.
The Colombian mines, including those near Muzo, Chivor, and Gachalá, have been prized for centuries for their production of deep green, high-clarity emeralds. Gachalá, although not as famous as Muzo, yielded this exceptional emerald that astonished the gem world due to its extraordinary size and purity.
Exhibition: It is part of the Smithsonian's National Gem and Mineral Collection, housed in the National Museum of Natural History. The Gachalá Emerald is displayed alongside other famous gems, contributing to its status as one of the world's most admired emeralds.
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Gachala Emerald from Vega de San Juan Mine, Colombia |
Physical Characteristics
The Gachalá Emerald weighs 858 carats (approximately 171.6 grams). Though the crystal was left uncut, it exhibits the vivid green color typical of Colombian emeralds, which is highly sought after in the jewelry industry.
An emerald is a gemstone and a variety of the mineral beryl and is colored green by trace amounts of chromium and sometimes vanadium. The word “emerald” is derived esmaralda, a variant of Latin, which originated in Ancient Greek word smaragdos meaning “green gem”.
Being a rough crystal, the Gachalá Emerald retains its natural shape and texture, offering a glimpse into the mineral’s growth environment.
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| The Gachalá Emerald |
Historical Significance and Donation
Soon after its discovery, the Gachalá Emerald was acquired by the famous American jeweler Harry Winston. Recognizing its immense importance, Winston donated the emerald to the Smithsonian Institution in 1969, where it became a part of the National Gem Collection.
This donation reflects Harry Winston’s longstanding tradition of contributing significant gemstones to museums and public collections, enhancing public appreciation of rare gems and minerals.
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The Gachala Emerald, a renowned Colombian emerald known for its exceptional clarity, color, and size. |