Beryl (var. emerald)

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 most of the gems cut from these crystals do not require clarity enhancement, such as oiling. This oval cut gem has no indications of treatment and exhibits a deep green color. It is the first emerald from Ethiopia in the National Gem Collection.