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Georgina Emerald
Specimen | Catalog Number | Locality | Weight |
---|---|---|---|
Beryl (var. emerald) | NMNH 177086 | Ethiopia |
In 2016, a new emerald deposit was found in the Seba Boru district near the town of Shakiso, Ethiopia. The mining is done by small-scale miners, the traditional way, by hand without heavy machinery. Most of the material being mined is commercial grade, but fine quality crystals of good size, color, and clarity are being found, and the gems cut from these crystals do not require clarity enhancement, such as oiling. The Ethiopian emerald rough is similar to material from Zambia and Brazil as they are found in a biotite schist matrix. To date, the deposit appears to be promising, but only time will tell how significant it will be in the future. This large emerald crystal weighs 408.08ct and exhibits a beautiful deep green color. A wonderful addition, it is the first Ethiopian emerald specimen in the National Mineral Collection. It was generously donated to the Smithsonian by Ronny Levy and Paula Chanliongco Soriano in honor of their daughter, Georgina Bennett Levy.